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The Selma City Council discussed the bid for the purchase of the Dallas Academy building at Tuesday night’s Council meeting.

Lanthan Development and Envictus Development put up a joint bid of $50,000 to purchase the building. The deadline was July 15 for anyone to bid on the building, which has been vacant for years since a fire.  Lathan Development, based in Mobile and Envictus Development of Florida, was the only bid.

Council President Billy Young placed it on first read and urged council members to review the Dallas County bid, presented by City Attorney Major Madison and City Clerk Ivy Harrison and discuss it at the next meeting.

In another development, the city council discussed updating a business ordinance and occupational tax with city treasurer Terri Barnes-Smith.

Young inquired about the city getting an occupational tax, especially for Selma employees who don’t live in the Queen City. 

Councilman Clay Carmichael said the city’s Business Ordinance needs an update and hasn’t been done in years. 

Council members present at the meeting were: President Billy Young, Clay Carmichael, Jannie Thomas, Atkin Jemison, Sam Randolph, and Michael Johnson. 

The council also asked Barnes-Smith to investigate whether Airbnb is paying business taxes in Selma because the company makes transactions.