By Blake Deshazo | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma City Council voted Monday to allow Mayor Darrio Melton to enter contracts with a security firm, to study the police department and provide security at city hall.

Melton said the council’s decision is the first step in making Selma’s streets a safer place.

“I think it’s a sign that shows that we’re working together to move the city forward,” Melton said after Monday’s council meeting.

“It’s nothing that will happen overnight, but it’s a start somewhere in regards to making sure that we are getting the public services that people so rightfully deserve in our city.”

The consulting contract is with Superior Consulting for 90 to 120 days and is for nearly $15,000.

Melton said the company will provide one officer at city hall during business hours and will be paid $14.89 and hour to work during business hours.

“Security inside of a government building is not something new,” he said. “Many municipalities, many government agencies have security, and we just want to make sure we provide security in city hall.”

Melton said the consultant will help the police department identify weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

“Years ago there was a study done for some of the shortfalls in our police department,” Melton said. “With the implementation, that is where we didn’t see the implementation of those recommendations. So bringing in a consultant to help us implement that, I think it will be a tremendous thing, and we’re excited about it.”

Melton said the contract would allow the city to use an officer provided by the consulting firm to provide security rather than officers with the police department.

“I don’t believe our men and women who have been trained to be out in the streets … should be inside of city hall taking on that duty to protect city hall,” Melton said.

Melton said security will also help city hall employees be more efficient in helping citizens.

“To be transparent, people need to know why people are visiting city hall,” he said. “It can help us be more effective with services as well as we understand who is coming in for what reasons.”

Melton said he expects the security at city hall to start immediately, and the consulting will follow as soon as the contract is given the green light by City Attorney Jimmy Nunn.