Selma City Council approves budget midyear revisions, ends Chryscom contract and backs veterans memorial; new Chamber agreement to be drafted

The Selma City Council took a cluster of fiscal and administrative actions at its Feb. 18 meeting, approving a midyear budget revision, voting to terminate the city’s retained legislative firm, endorsing placement of a veterans memorial and a public flag drop box, and directing staff to draft a new contract with the Selma Chamber of Commerce.

Budget: The council adopted midyear adjustments to the fiscal 2024–25 budget after a presentation from Acting Finance staff that showed revenues and expenditures through Dec. 31, 2024 and identified supplemental items including state SB 90 reimbursements, conference travel and department requests. The motion to adopt the midyear budget passed on a roll call vote; the city manager and finance manager will carry the changes into the next budget cycle and continue the schedule of budget workshops ahead of the June adoption.

Chryscom contract: The council voted to terminate the city’s ongoing contract with legislative advocacy firm Chryscom Public Relations Inc. The motion invoked the contract’s 30‑day termination clause; the roll call vote was 4–1 in favor of termination. Councilmembers cited recent fiscal pressures and an internal shift toward in‑house grant work and other priorities as reasons for ending the firm’s retainer. Chryscom representatives at the meeting summarized prior wins for the city, including legislative earmarks and state funding they had helped obtain.

Veterans memorial and flag box: Council approved placement of KIA memorial panels in Veterans Plaza at locations requested by the American Legion and agreed to locate a public flag‑retirement drop box in front of the Police Department. The American Legion said it will hire a contractor for monument installation and asked the city to install the flag receptacle on public property; public works will install the box and the American Legion will coordinate its unveiling and regular collection for ceremonial retirement.

Selma Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber informed the council that it would not accept the city’s last contract draft. Council directed the city attorney to prepare a new contract for the chamber — staff suggested a quarterly reporting/financial-review process — and the council instructed staff to send a proposed agreement back to the Chamber’s board for consideration. At the meeting council discussed underwriting a portion of the July 3 fireworks if the Chamber could return with a contract; Chamber leaders said they would consider a shared funding arrangement.

Other business: The council also approved an ordinance amendment to add the Tejano Festival and Día de los Muertos to the city’s list of legacy events (first reading; second reading and adoption to be scheduled) and voted to change the council’s regular meeting days from the first and third Mondays to the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The council asked the city attorney to review Selma’s municipal code on graffiti abatement and report options for funding and safer, legally compliant cleanup of graffiti on private property.

Roll-call highlights - Midyear budget adoption: motion passed (roll call recorded). - Termination of Chryscom contract (30‑day notice): approved, yes 4 — no 1. - Establishment of veterans memorial at requested site and flag drop box at police department: approved. - Direction to city attorney to draft new Chamber of Commerce contract and return it to the Chamber board: approved. - Change of regular council meeting day to first and third Tuesdays: approved.

Council members and staff said the actions are driven by current fiscal constraints and an intent to focus city resources on core services and capital needs. The city manager and staff will implement the votes and return with the required paperwork and follow‑up reports in coming meetings.