When someone tries to describe a tough job — a job many are unable to do — they often say, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” When it comes to making a tough decision — a decision many if not all would disagree with — someone usually says, “You can’t make everyone happy.”

Such is the case with the decision the Selma City Council faces Tuesday when it comes to the fate of the old YMCA.

On one hand, the council can vote to approve old YMCA building owner Tom Bolton’s request to overturn a historical commission’s decision, preventing him from demolishing the building.

If they do, they will face severe backlash from those who seek — at any cost — to preserve the architectural history of Selma.

On the other hand, they can vote to reinforce the historical commission’s decision, preventing Bolton from demolishing the building, forcing him instead to find a way to stabilize the building.

If they go this route, there is a very real likelihood Bolton will refuse, kicking off another round of legal actions that might result in the city stabilizing the building at taxpayer expense and placing a lien on the building.