The city of Selma’s Town Hall meeting Tuesday gave residents the chance to address the council and voice their grievances as well as a few praises. Most complaints addressed one of three topics — code enforcement, Advanced Disposal garbage management for the city and litter and sewage issues.

More than 15 residents took to microphones to get issues off their chest and in some cases informed the council of new issues at hand — all issues residents felt if fixed, would help the city progress.

The council said they would take all issues and come up with a plan of action in return. Another follow-up meeting will be held in November with specific ways the council will combat the issues.

“We are drowning in garbage in my area and in the whole city,” Ward 3 resident James Hall said.

Many of the comments made Tuesday were regarding the amount of trash and litter throughout the city. James, as did others, addressed the high volume of vacant lots that are throughout historic districts like Ward 3 and the grass on those lots that has yet to be cut.

Local realtor and business owner Nancy Bennett spoke about her issues with the garbage company, Advanced Disposal.

The company entered into a contract with the city of Selma in January as the sole garbage collection company, taking over for the city’s public works department as of February. Multiple residents spoke about the company in a negative light.

“I have had major issues with Advanced Disposal since it started,” Bennett said about working with the company and getting garbage collection services for her many tenants. “ I’ve got tenants paying for garbage that isn’t being picked up for months. You, the council, put us in this garbage situation and y’all are the only ones that we can look to to rectify this situation. If I am having this many problems and these other people are having problems — you know, it’s a sad situation.”

Selma Mayor George Evans thanked those who came and said “We as the city government need everyone’s help in making Selma better.”