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The Selma City Council approved the 2024 Fiscal Year Budget on Tuesday.

The entire City Council – President Billy Young, council members Clay Carmichael, Atkin Jemison, Lesia James, Jannie Thomas, Michael Johnson, Christie Thomas, Sam Randolph and Troy Harvill – all voted to approve the $22.3 million budget.

Harvill, the finance committee chairperson, made the motion to approve the budget. Randolph seconded the motion.

Young said he was glad that both sides reached an agreement to pass the budget.

“While we understand this budget is not perfect, it’s an attempt to allow our city to move forward,” Young said. “As with any budget, if there are any challenges, accounting errors, or unforeseen shortfalls, the Council will address these matters with the appropriate budget amendments.”

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. reacted to the city council passing a budget.

“We have a budget passed and that’s progress,” Perkins said. “However, I expressed my displeasure with the fact that the budget requires that the city defunds up to $2.8 million in needed positions. That is going to have an impact that I believe people will feel.”

The budget has a $1.8 million surplus.

Another highlight of the budget is the $100,000 put aside for a Special Election.

City Councilman Clay Carmichael said that the council and state legislature have to approve the special election before the people get to vote.

The 2023 fiscal year ends Sept. 30, and the 2024 year begins Oct. 1.