The Selma Civic Center Committee is seeking a $300,000 to help pay for renovations of the former American Legion Building into a civic center.
In a 3-to-1 vote, the Selma Town Council approved a request by Ann Williams, a member of the Committee, to apply for a USDA Rural Business Development Grant. The deadline to apply is January 25th.
Williams told council members the grant would allow the committee to complete work on the civic center building. The building was purchased last February by the Town of Selma for $60,000.
Williams said they committee will be notified in March if they receive the funds.
During the presentation, Councilman Tommy Holmes said he was concerned the Civic Center could become a financial burden on the Town of Selma. Williams said she believes the facility can be rented every week and would be able to offset any expenses.
Holmes said he was told last year the renovations would be paid for with donations and he was opposed to the use of tax dollars, even federal tax dollars in the form of the USDA grant. The council approved the grant request in a 3-to-1 vote with Holmes casting the only vote against the measure.
