During Monday’s budget hearing hosted by the Selma City Council, each of the city’s departments discussed how they planned to trim 6 percent — or more — from their 2015 budgets, with one exception; the city council itself.

The council’s budget includes a number of line items, including council salaries, the recycling program, council office staff and others.

But, there is one, very notable item that makes up a significant portion of the council’s budget. And, it is one of the options Selma City Council President Corey Bowie said may be targeted to help get the council’s budget in line.

“There are some items that we could look at cutting in order to cut our 6 percent, or more,” Bowie said following Tuesday’s city council meeting. “I would think we could look at cutting the recycling program, as well as cutting discretionary spending.”

Each of the members of the Selma City Council receives $7,500 annually in discretionary spending. They also receive an additional $2,500 in travel expenses.

Earlier this year, the council approved a one-time increase in discretionary spending accounts, but that amount will not continue into the new budget beginning Oct. 1.

The discretionary accounts are traditionally used by council members for projects within their wards, or making contributions to organizations and groups who make funding requests throughout the year.

Council members also receive oil lease funds each April, but the amount varies. This year, council members received $17,800 each. Those funds, which would not be subject to any budget reductions, are restricted to capital projects only.

A 6 percent reduction in discretionary funds would reduce council member’s discretionary from $7,500 to $7,050; a cut of $450 each. The cut would also lower council members’ travel expenses to $2,350.

The council will hold a work session Thursday, Sept. 18 at Selma City Hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m.