The Alabama Supreme Court has sided with the Selma City Council in a power struggle with the mayor over who can appoint department heads.

Justices on Friday upheld a judge’s decision dismissing the lawsuit filed by Selma Mayor Darrio Melton that challenged the city ordinance approved by council members.

The Selma City Council in 2018 passed an ordinance removing Melton’s authority to appoint a police chief, fire chief and tax collector.

The council then overrode Melton’s veto, leading him to file a lawsuit saying the ordinance improperly transfers executive powers to the city council.

Justices wrote that the trial judge was correct to dismiss Melton’s lawsuit.