EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS IS THE THIRD IN A SERIES OF STORIES ABOUT THE PROPOSED SELMA CITY BUDGET.

SELMA — A couple of computers for the Selma City Council appear on the wish list in this proposed budget grouping for fiscal 2010.

The two desktop computers are estimated to cost $1,816.

“Right now, we’re using the secretary’s computer and some of the council members are using their own laptops,” said Council President Dr. Geraldine Allen.

All nine council members would share the two computers and a printer.

The city council’s portion of the proposed budget rose by $11,770.34 from the 2009 amended budget. Actual expenses through Aug. 31 were $196, 473.91. The 2009 amended budget was $213,356.11 and the proposed 2010 budget is $226,942.45.

The greatest increase in the budget was for salaries. The budget restores the 12.5 percent taken from council salaries during the 2009 fiscal year as part of a belt-tightening measure proposed by Mayor George Evans.

The 12.5 percent is written into the budget for all departments, provided the $12 million bond issue passes.

Other expenses include a $1,200 increase for pens, pencils, printer cartridges and other items.

The council cut its special projects budget from $2,525 to $1,000.

The council may tweak the budget before it votes on it Oct. 13.

Salaries included in the budget are: Allen, $20,000.04; Angela Benjamin, $14,499.96; Corey Bowie, $14,499.96; Bennie Ruth Crenshaw, $14,499.96; Diana Johnson, council secretary, $28,828.80; Susan Keith, $14,499.96; Dr. Monica Newton, $14,499.96; Samuel Randolph, $14,499.96; the Rev. B.L. Tucker, $14,499.96 and the Rev. Dr. Cecil Williamson, $15,699.96.

Williamson and Allen receive higher salaries for serving as president pro-tem and president of the council.