Selma Council Approves Budget With No Tax Increase, Employee Raises

SELMA — The Selma Town Council unanimously approved a nearly $33 million budget Tuesday night, adopting a spending plan that keeps the town’s property tax rate unchanged while funding employee pay raises, utility system improvements, and continued investments in public safety.

The fiscal year 2026-27 budget, approved June 23, totals $32.9 million and takes effect July 1.

The spending plan maintains Selma’s property tax rate at 60 cents per $100 valuation and continues the town’s electric rates at current levels.

Town employees will receive a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment under the new budget, which town leaders have said is designed to help retain employees amid rising costs and competition for qualified workers.

While property taxes remain unchanged, residents will see increases in water and sewer charges. The budget includes a 5 percent increase in water rates and a 6 percent increase in sewer rates to help address rising operating expenses and fund future infrastructure needs.

The budget includes funding for a number of infrastructure and utility projects, including water system improvements, sewer system upgrades, utility relocation work, pump station improvements, and ongoing maintenance projects.

Public safety remains one of the largest spending categories in the budget, with continued funding for police, fire and emergency services.

The adopted budget includes approximately $10.98 million for the Electric Fund, $5.12 million for the Sewer Fund, $3.82 million for the Water Fund, and $1.36 million for the Sanitation Fund.