Selma Issues Statement After Two Council Members Resign

SELMA, N.C. – The Town of Selma issued a statement Wednesday afternoon following the sudden resignations of two Town Council members during Tuesday night’s meeting.

Council Members William Overby and Susan Parrish Watson resigned, effective immediately, leaving two vacancies on the board.

The resignations came minutes apart near the end of the meeting. Both Overby and Watson blamed ongoing divisions with Mayor Byron McAllister for their decisions to step down and raised concerns about access to information, communication and the way council business was being conducted.

In its Aug. 12 statement, the Town of Selma acknowledged the resignations and said the town would continue focusing on municipal services and future growth.

“The Town of Selma remains fully committed to serving its citizens with excellence and integrity,” the statement said.

Town officials said staff and the remaining council members will continue concentrating on “maintaining high-quality services, fostering economic development, and ensuring the continued growth, progress, and betterment of our community.”

“Our dedication to the people of Selma is unwavering, and we will move forward together with a shared vision for a vibrant, thriving community,” the statement continued.

The town also thanked Overby and Watson for their service and wished them well.

The statement did not address the specific allegations raised by Overby and Watson concerning McAllister or their claims that they were not always provided the same advance information about town issues as Mayor Pro Tem Joe Scarboro and Council Member Amy West Whitley.

The town said information about how the two vacant council seats will be filled will be released in accordance with North Carolina law and the town’s established procedures.

No timetable for beginning the appointment process was announced.