City code on use of RVs, campers top Selma City council work Session

Published 9:34 am Friday, February 24, 2023

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A Citizen’s Concern by former Selma City Councilman Tom Headley was one of the biggest topics at the Selma City Council Work Session on Thursday.

PRO TEM Clay Carmichael, council members Christie Thomas, Troy Harvill, Atkin Jemison, Lesia James and Jannie Thomas were present.

Headley addressed the city council on City Code Article 1, Section 6, the use of campers, RVs, and travel trailers inside the city limits over a six month period.

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Headley told the city council he was a Panama City, Florida resident when Hurricane Michael hit the Sunshine state in October, 2018. Headley said he received a settlement from FEMA and eventually returned to Selma.

“After Hurricane Michael, I stayed on one for about a month, and my son lived in one for a year while his house was being rebuilt,” Headley said. “In his case, the insurance company gave him a provision for housing and his cost came to a mere $400. This allows a family to remain in Selma until the rebuilding process is completed.”

According to Headley, Selma two main problems are about to hit the city.Headley said that starting in July, the warrant issue payments will be jumping from $57,000 a month, to $183,000 a month. He said the City sales tax usually around $880,000 a month will drop to $700,000 a month because several thousand Selma residents have left town since the January 12 tornado hit the area.

“We need to keep people in Selma,” Headley said. “We need to accommodate Selma Citizens to stay in Selma for the foreseeable future.”

City Attorney Major Madison said that an ordinance is being drafted for the city council to consider.

Carmichael, filling in for City Council President Billy Young, praised Headley on addressing the situation.

“The executive branch and legal department are working on this,’’ Carmichael said. “I hope they bring us an adequate solution.”