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Two members of the Borland Benefield P.C. Firm discussed the 2022 Audit with Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and the Selma City Council on Monday night.

During the Finance Committee meeting, the accounting firm gave the City of Selma a passing grade.

City Council President Billy Young, council members Troy Harvill, Clay Carmichael, Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas, Sam Randolph and Atkin Jemison were present along with Perkins. Harvill is the Finance Committee Director.

“On our opinion, the audit gets a passing grade,” the accountant said.

One of the highlights was the city’s general fund, which continues to improve over the last few years. The general fund is up to $8 million, an increase of $330,000 from last year.

In 2017, the general fund only had $820,000, but by the end of the 2010’s, it climbed up to over $2.5 million.

The Accounting firm also pointed out other positives, $57 million in total assets and $200,000 increase in sales taxes.

“There’ s a lot of good investments in the city,” the firm said. “The total assets are a positive sign. We had no difficulty performing the audit.”

Borland-Benefield did notice  an audit finding, which is a comment on either the design and or the effectiveness of the system of internal control.

The audit finding involved the Alabama Trust Fund Expenditure, regarding the Beautification cleanup.

Councilman Clay Carmichael said the firm should have referred to the Alabama League of Municipalities, who approved of cleanup along with Ben Goldman, the city council’s attorney.

The accountant responded, saying it it is splitting hairs.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. was pleased with the audit, saying the City isn’t broke before discussing his 2024 Fiscal Budget proposal.