THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

Almost means in three weeks.

Members of the Selma City Council are anxiously awaiting the results of a police department study they were told was almost ready for review.

Mayor James Perkins and Council President George Evans sent out a joint news release confirming a meeting with the study’s author and a time table many have been waiting on. It says a &8220;combination of holiday and vacation scheduling issues&8221; result in a final draft delivered &8220;in about two to three weeks.&8221;

Both Perkins and Evans have had draft copies of the study for two weeks. Members of the council have not seen them.

The City Council approved sending the proposed $12.3 million municipal bond issue to Selma voter to decide on in February 2008.

According to the news release, Perkins and Evans said they met with Dr. Ralph Ioimo of Public Safety Consultants, and teleconferenced in Sam Trager of Slavin Management Consultants. Trager’s firm has been conducting a national search for a chief of police.

Chief Jimmy Martin resigned June 18, and agreed to stay on until a replacement is named. No word was given on when Perkins will hire a replacement.

Councilman Johnnie Leashore of Ward 6 said he didn’t want to second-guess Ioimo.

Councilwoman Jannie Venter of Ward 8 said she was curious to see what’s in the study of the police department as well.

Councilwoman Jean Martin of Ward 3 expressed her displeasure the results have not been made available.