To the Editor:

In that one of the visions of this administration is an inclusive community, I am surprised they are pondering a 5 percent across the board raise for city employees, even those who received lump sum raises in the last budget year.

You will never convince me that the fragmented pay plan of 2006 was fair or balanced.

A city employee making $15,000 in 2007 will receive a $750 a year raise if they are given a 5 percent increase in pay.

Several of the “in crowd” who received large raises in 2006 will be given almost $750 on their large across-the-board raise alone. Someone convince me that it takes more food, clothing, utility money and medical expenses for a person making $60,000 a year than those making $15,000.

Let’s look at something more inclusive and fair. How about a 10 percent raise for all city employees except for those who received a $2,000 or more raise last year?

How about a $5,000 a year raise for our law enforcement officers?

This would not only motivate but would help to alleviate our lack of retention problem.

How about our fire department? A lump sum raise certainly is needed to correct the lack of retention problem they are experiencing.

Let’s put TrustBuild in a dormant status, use those funds for the financial good of our city employees and be inclusive and rational when we start setting our priorities.

Policemen, fireman, public works employees and all other city employees who have been shortchanged. There are those of us who realize that you are a large part of the foundation Selma must build on.

Keep positive, work diligently. Those who do good will always get their due rewards.

Gene Hisel