The Selma City Council voted to override Mayor Darrio Melton’s veto on two ordinances at its council meeting Tuesday night at City Hall.

The council voted 6-3 on the appointment powers of the chief of police, tax collector and fire chief going from the Mayor to the city council. Councilmen Michael Johnson and John Leashore and councilwoman Susan Youngblood voted against.

The council voted 7-2 on the alternate signatures on contracts from Council President Corey Bowie whenever the Mayor is absent or refuses to sign. Johnson and Leashore voted against the ordinance.

City Clerk Ivy Harrison spoke on behalf of Melton and presented his vetoes to them. The council had a 30-minute executive session to discuss the issues. They returned and made their votes.

“It’s always nice to have a check and balance in place so the day-to-day operation of the city government won’t be stagnated,” Bowie said.

According to city attorney and Dallas County Probate Judge-elect Jimmy Nunn, the council can re-appoint those three positions on a month to month basis.

The city council had three guests at its meeting: former mayor George Evans, School of Discovery’s FBLA program and wounded Selma Police Department (SPD) officer Micah Hale.

Evans, mayor from 2008 to 2016, spoke to the council about donations for the GPE Golf Classic, which will be held on Oct. 17 at the Valley Grande Golf Course. A fun day will also be held on Oct. 16 at the George P. Evans Center. Both events help special needs kids.

“Anything you can give, I’ll appreciate it,” Evans said.

Benjamin appreciated Evans for returning to his educational background.

“Thank you for continuing the program, it’s a beautiful thing to be part of,” Benjamin said.

Hale and his family appeared, and received a plaque from the council. He was wounded in an ambush-style shooting on Sept. 23, but is recovering at home with his family.

“I’m overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve received from the community,” Hale said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Youngblood praised Hale for his courage and dedication.

“When law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect us, we need to take care of them,” Youngblood said.

Two members of the SOD’s FBLA class led the pledge of allegiance: Aamir Hicks and Adrienne Simmons.

The next city council meeting will be held on Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. at city hall.