Circuit Court Judge Collins Pettaway ruled Monday that the Selma City Council has appointment powers over the police chief, fire chief and tax collector.

Selma Mayor Darrio Melton filed a lawsuit against the city council on Oct. 11, 2018 about the council removing his appointment powers. The council passed an ordinance on Sept. 25 to remove appointment powers from Melton. Melton vetoed the ordinance on Sept. 27, 2018, a week before the council voted and it led to the lawsuit.

The hearing lasted 25 minutes, which Pettaway heard arguments from the attorneys. Kenneth Mendelsohn represented Melton and Randall Morgan represented the city council.

“I’m head scratching, why are we here,’” Pettaway told Mendelsohn.  “The law says the council can do this, if they consent to. I understand your argument, but words and semantics means a lot.”

Mendelsohn told Pettaway that he disagreed with the ruling and they will file an appeal.

Morgan declined comment, but City Council President Corey Bowie said Pettaway’s ruling validated the council’s ordinance of appointment powers of the police chief, fire chief and tax assessor. Bowie said the council’s next step is help the city solve its financial and crime issues.

“I look forward to addressing the city’s issues with the police chief,” Bowie said. “From this point on, we need to address the important issues of the city with the executive branch and legislative branch.”

When asked for a response from Melton about the ruling, Melton said, “I talk to the media, but I don’t talk to liars.”

Melton got into a brief argument with Alabamanews.net and Channel 8 reporter George McDonald as he and his staff headed out of the courtroom. McDonald followed Melton, but he got pushed by Sean VanDiver, a member of Melton’s staff, outside the courtroom. They argued on the elevator.

McDonald said he was shocked at how Melton’s side handled the verdict.

“I just wanted to get their side of what happened in court,” McDonald said.