More than 20 people have been interviewed for a spot on the Selma Water Works and Sewer Board, according to Council President Corey Bowie.

The positions will likely be filled at one of the council meetings in February, Bowie said. The applicants have been interviewed by a committee of Bowie and council members Carl Bowline, Jannie Thomas and Susan Youngblood.

“I felt the process we went through was a transparent process and allowed anyone that was interested in getting on the water board the opportunity to come in,” Bowie said. “We had some great candidates to come through.”

The city council is looking to replace two spots on the five-member board. Bowie said the committee would likely meet this week to discuss applicants, interviews and make recommendations to the council.

“We are looking at bringing forth six to eight names out of the 22 and move forward with the vote,” Bowie said.

The applicants were asked about why they wanted to be on the water board and their experience with budgets and finances.

In November, the council appointed Councilman Michael Johnson to replace outgoing Councilman Benny Tucker.

The appointment followed a long discussion about the board and how many seats are open.

City Attorney Jimmy Nunn has told the council that he believes four out of the five seats are due for appointments. However, water board member Robert Allen and water board attorneys believe Allen’s term goes into 2018.

The council has previously decided to allow Allen to continue to serve until 2018. Millie Vick’s term also expires the same year.

Bowie said anyone who applied for the board would be considered for the two spots coming open next year.

“We are going to keep on file all the applicants who interviewed so when the term ends next year we don’t have to worry about going back through the process,” Bowie said.

Water and sewer board members serve six-year terms that are staggered. However, they have gotten off track over the years.

The pay for Selma Water Works and Sewer Board members was doubled by the city council in December 2015 to the state maximum of $400 a month.v