The city of Selma has seen anniversary after anniversary this year, starting with the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Since then the city has celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Selma and the 75th anniversary of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Those anniversaries are much of the reason the city is ahead so far this year when it comes to sales and lodging tax revenues.
The landmark year for the Queen City has helped it make more money in both revenue streams compared to last year.
Mayor George Evans attributes being ahead of the curve to the thousands of tourists that have visited Selma this year to celebrate its many anniversaries. Every time a bus load of people comes over the bridge, it means the city is making money, whether it is people buying food or gas or renting hotels for a night or two.
The city is ahead in sales tax revenue by $146,484 and $105,966 in lodging tax revenue. While those numbers are good for Selma, the people that live here should continue to help those numbers rise.
People that live in Selma and Dallas County should spend their money here instead of taking it elsewhere. Money that is spent here goes back to the city, which in return could help fund the police and fire departments and pave roads.
Buying local also helps small, locally owned shops and restaurants stay in business. Sure, tourists are great, but we should all think about spending our money right here in Selma before we take a trip to Prattville to shop or to Montgomery to go to the movie. Let’s help Selma be the best it can by showing we care enough to support its economy.