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Selma Mayor James Perkins unveiled his 2024 Fiscal Budget proposal to the Selma City Council  on Monday night.

Perkins discussed his $22.6 million budget proposal at the Finance Committee meeting in the Council Chambers.

Finance Chairman and city councilman Troy Harvill, City Council President Billy Young. council members Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas, Atkin Jemison and Clay Carmichael were present.

Several City of Selma Department heads and employees also attended.

Perkins said he wants five city departments: public works, public buildings, cemetery, landfill and recreation.

Public works, public buildings, cemeteries, and parks and recreation would form the “public service” department. 

Tax and license would fall under the finance department, where the city will hire a finance director. 

Code enforcement would dissolve its director position, making Selma police officers responsible for code enforcement and law enforcement.

Perkins said his Administration inherited damage from Hurricane  Zeta in 2020.

Perkins also discussed a tax increase, which would have to take place at a Special Election.

According to Perkins, next year could be a critical year.

“If we don’t come up with revenue to sustain what we’re doing, we will end up having to lay people off and cut back on services. And that would not be good for us right now, especially while we’re in a recovery mode from the tornado and the damage that we received in that disaster,” Perkins said.

The City Council plans to vote on this proposed budget before Aug. 1.