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A partner in the Carr, Riggs and Ingram CPAs and Advisors discussed the 2019 and 2020 audits with Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and the Selma City Council on Tuesday night.

Andrew Waits spoke during the Mayor’s Report section of the city council meeting, giving what he called “a clear, unmodified opinion of the city’s finances.”

City Council President Billy Young, council members Troy Harvill, Clay Carmichael, Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas, Michael Johnson and Atkin Jemison were present along with Perkins.

The highlight of Waits’ presentation was the city’s general fund, which rebounded after a few down years.

Waits said that the general fund had gotten low between 2014 and 2017. In  2017, the general fund only had $820,000. In 2019, he said that it had gotten back up to over $2.5 million and  $4.8 million in 2020.

“The city and mayor have been working hard to get this going in the right direction,” Waits said. “It’s important that the city save money.”

Perkins said he’s pleased with Waits’ evaluation of the city finances.

“We’re moving in the right direction and I think we’re going at rapid speed,” Perkins said.

Waits also pointed out auto adjustments made in 2018, when they had to make 70  during the audit. Waits said the number of auto adjustments decreased a year later with 46 and down to 30 in 2020.

Young said he was glad to see progress being made in the Queen City.

According to Waits, the 2021 audit will be completed next month.