A proposal to divide the Selma City Council’s travel money nine ways was defeated 8-1 during Monday’s city council meeting.

Proposed by Councilman Cecil Williamson, the law would have given each member an equal share of the city’s $40,000 travel budget.

The council debated the issues and the ordinance drew some support from Councilwoman Jean Martin.

Councilman Johnnie Leashore and Councilwoman Bennie Ruth Crenshaw disagreed.

“We have never overspent that budget,” Crenshaw said.

Council President George Evans replied that the city council splits the discretionary money and the oil-lease money.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. pointed out that much of the travel done by individual council members is on behalf of the entire council. Evans suggested the council monitor the situation this year and see if it warrants addressing in the next budget.