The Mayor’s office and city’s legal department were the focus at the Selma City Council budget hearing Wednesday at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

The entire council was present to discuss ideas for the 2018-2019 fiscal budget. They’re working on a $17.7 million budget. City Treasurer Ronita Wade recommended the council operate from the 2016-2017 budget with amendments. The fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.

Council President Corey Bowie said he invited Melton and other department heads to attend the budget hearings for their opinion, but none have showed up so far.

“We’re not looking at cutting,” Bowie said. “These are recommendations, nothing is definite.”

The mayor’s office has a combined $159,726 in salaries from the 2016-2017 budget. It was recommended either Mayor Darrio Melton’s vehicle monthly allowance of $600 or his travel expense be eliminated.

The council is considering hiring a city attorney on a retainer’s fee.  The city attorney’s spot will be vacant when Jimmy Nunn becomes Dallas County Probate Judge in January.

Bowie said he has talked to a few local attorneys about the role, if it gets approved. He’s also spoken with Melton about the spot. The attorney’s secretary would get reassigned under this scenario.

Tax and license and Finance and code enforcement will be discussed at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.