FERRIDAY, La. &045; It’s official &045; the Town of Ferriday’s redistricting plan has been approved by the federal government, paving the way for Town Council elections.

During the council’s Tuesday meeting, Mayor Gene Allen noted the town has received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice preclearing the town’s redistricting plan.

The next dates the town can hold council elections are April 2, for the open primary, and April 30, for the general election, according to state election officials.

Oliver Schultz, redistricting consultant for both Vidalia and Ferriday, has said Vidalia also received its letter of preclearance earlier this month.

The federal government requires redistricting to take place every 10 years to even out the number of voters in districts after population shifts have taken place.

Earlier in the meeting, the board directed Town Attorney Derrick Carson to write the Concordia Parish School Board asking them to either renegotiate the town’s lease of the old Ferriday Education Building on Florida Street or release the town from the contract.

Carson was directed to ask the board to renegotiate to lease the building to the town for $1 per year for 25 years.

Allen recommended that action after he received a bill from the school board for lease of the building &045; to the tune of $2,000 a month.

Actually, the town hasn’t paid the bill since May 2003, which means it owes $30,000 to the school board for the building, Harris said.

&uot;We have no use for the building,&uot; Allen said, adding that the facility needs roof and other repairs.

Carson was also directed by the board to review all other contracts the town has with the school board.