Selma City Council clears the way for reorganization of city departments

The Selma City Council cleared the way for Mayor Johnny Moss III to reorganize the city’s organizational structure.

The council on Tuesday gave Moss approval to advertise for five new positions called for in his new structure. The new organizational chart calls for eight departments that report directly to him. There are now at least 13 direct reports.

The new organizational chart calls for departments of finance and administration, public works and infrastructure services, planning and community development, human resources, information technology, police department (chief), fire department (chief), and city clerk.

To make this streamlined organizational structure work, several functions that are now led by department directors that report to the mayor will be placed under a new, larger department.

Moss’s plan calls for the current cemetery (removal of director), landfill, code enforcement (to be renamed neighborhood improvement) and public buildings departments to be placed under the new public works department. Parks and recreation will be placed under the planning and community development department, and tax and license will be placed under the finance department.

Moss said that directors of departments that will be moved under larger departments will become managers rather than directors. The current directors will reapply for their positions, perhaps competing with new applicants.

The changes will improve service and efficiency, which he said will save the city as much as $250,000.

Moss also assured the council that he understands that the city council hires the police chief, fire chief, city clerk and city treasurer, even though those positions report to the mayor.

Coincidentally, a search is underway for a new police chief. The council named a committee to review applications for that position at the Aug. 11 meeting.

Moss and the council also agreed that the city’s policy manual and handbook will need to be edited to reflect the organizational changes.

Here’s a rundown of the realigned departments:

Public works

Mission: Maintain the City's infrastructure, public facilities, neighborhoods, and municipal assets.

Responsibilities:

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• Streets
• Drainage
• Fleet
• Public Buildings
• Cemetery
• Landfill
• Grounds Maintenance
• Animal Services
• Neighborhood Improvement (Code Enforcement)

Planning & Community Development

Mission: Guide Selma's future through planning, economic development, redevelopment, recreation, grants, and community partnerships.

Responsibilities:

• Planning & Zoning
• Building Inspections
• Economic Development
• Community Development
• Parks & Recreation
• Historic Preservation
• Opportunity Zones
• Grant Administration

Finance

Mission: Protect taxpayer resources through responsible financial management.

Responsibilities:

• Budget
• Accounting
• Treasury
• Payroll
• Purchasing
• Revenue Services
• Risk Management

Human Resources

Mission: Recruit, develop, and retain a professional workforce.

Information Technology

Mission: Modernize City government through technology, cybersecurity, innovation, and digital services.