An $8 million vision continues to grow on the banks of the Alabama River parallel to Water Avenue. Sure, the reality is piecemeal: lights here and there, concrete walkways, a bridge.

An important portion of that vision to bring Selmians together and draw in tourists rests in the renovation of an old warehouse as a stage and the construction of an amphitheater.

The warehouse is there. It needs some work. A portion of that work would see completion of the warehouse roof repairs.

Before the end of the year, Mayor George Evans signed off on a grant application for $250,000 from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The state conditionally approved the grant.

But $50,000 of that money must go toward a qualified project administrator. The city Planning and Development Department called on Janey Galbraith of Galbraith and Associates from Mobile to fulfill the task. Galbraith has a good, solid history with Selma and Dallas County.

But the Selma City Council has put off twice now approving these moves, so the city could receive the $250,000 grant. Council members want to know why the city is hiring Galbraith and paying her $50,000.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. The city has until Feb. 28 to accept the money and abide by the grant terms or return the money. In the world of grants, if an entity returns money because it can’t meet terms, it’s unlikely a future grant will get a nod.

This project is much bigger than personalities or power struggles.

The council needs to move on this and approve the terms.