FERRIDAY, La. &045; With a rise in costs to operate the sewage plant &045; including but not limited to electricity &045; rates for sewage could go up for Ferriday residents, but that is not a certainty.

The Ferriday Town Council and Mayor Glen McGlothin decided Tuesday night at the town meeting to take the matter to the finance committee and the city auditor to discuss what has to be done. McGlothin said the city is losing money, and collecting it through a rate increase may be the only way to recover.

The board also discussed the abandoned houses around town that need to either be fixed or demolished.

Council members have been asked by the mayor to provide a list of abandoned houses in their districts that need to be considered for demolition.

Right now, the city must contact each landowner to allow that person to appeal any action taken on his property. The problem is many of the landowners live elsewhere.

On Tuesday night one landowner addressed the board, asking to be given time to repair his residence.

Neighbors of Charles Johnson have complained that his trailer is an eyesore and safety concern because snakes are crawling around the trailer.

Johnson said he could have remodeling repairs done in a month, and the board allowed him 30 days to fix the property before any action is taken.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting:

4McGlothin announced the resignation of the Ferriday Housing Authority commissioner, saying the opening needs to be filled.

4Three new businesses are opening in Ferriday and the board awarded occupational licenses to them Tuesday night. McKeel Enterprises will locate on Louisiana Avenue and will offer retail, fashion and school merchandise.

Also, Palmetto Builders is building an office on E.E. Wallace Boulevard.

And Michael Acker stated his intent to open a pool hall on Mickey Gilley Avenue. Acker said the club would not serve alcohol but would only allow patrons 21 and older and would be open from noon to midnight.