FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – THOMASVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Who comprises the Thomasville City Council?
The Thomasville City Council is composed of five (5) members. The members of the Council are elected to serve staggered terms of four (4) years each and until their respective successors are elected. Two (2) members are elected from and by the voters of Council District No. 1, two (2) members are elected from and by the voters of Council District No. 2, and one (1) member is elected from and by the voters of the city at large. Please click here to view the Council District Map.
What days of the month are City Council Meetings and City Council Workshops held?
City Council meets in regular session on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, unless otherwise posted. City Council Workshops are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise posted. Please click here to view the Public Meetings & Events Calendar.
What is a City Council Workshop?
During a City Council Workshop, the upcoming City Council Meeting agenda is presented by City staff and leadership to Council for discussion on the agenda items. Council does not execute votes during a Council Workshop. The City Council Workshop is an excellent opportunity for citizens to speak before the Council to provide any information they would like Council to consider as part of their consideration for any action that will be on an upcoming agenda.
Where are City Council Meetings and City Council Workshops held?
Meetings are held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 144 East Jackson Street. Workshops begin at 4:00 p.m. and Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m.
How can I be involved if I am unable to attend a City Council Meeting or City Council Workshop?
City Council Meetings and Workshops can be viewed via livestream by clicking here. Citizens can also view archived meeting minutes by clicking here.
How do I know what is on the Council agenda?
Prior to Council Workshops, draft agendas can be found on the Agendas and Minutes page on the thomasville.org website. Final agendas are posted on Fridays immediately prior to the Monday meetings. Please click here to view the current agenda and to view minutes of recent meetings.
What is the difference between a resolution and an ordinance?
Thomasville Municipal Code Chapter 2, Sections 2-1 through 2-4, speak to the specifics for ordinances, resolutions and motions for the City of Thomasville. A resolution is a more formal way of stating intended action, or multiple actions, of City Council. An ordinance is legislation which typically necessitates changes in our current laws, policies or procedures as a city, which is codified in the Thomasville Municipal Code. However, not all ordinances necessitate a change in the current laws. Ordinances require two “readings” by Council in order to be adopted. Resolutions do not have first and second readings, so if they are on the current agenda, they are up for a vote that night.
What is the difference between a “first reading” and a “second reading” of an ordinance?
Ordinances require two readings by Council in order to be adopted; or become a law. The “first reading” introduces the draft ordinance to the public and Councilmembers in a public meeting for discussion. Following the discussion of the draft ordinance; if Council votes to approve the “first reading”; it will be carried over for a “second reading” at a subsequent Council Meeting. The “second reading” of the proposed ordinance incorporates any changes that may have been recommended during the first reading. Typically, a second reading is set for action or vote at that meeting. There are times, under special circumstances, when an ordinance can be read for the first and second time at one meeting. This action is completed only if Council adopts a Resolution of Emergency; which requires four affirmative votes by Council.
How does Council legislation come about before it is voted on?
Council legislation can come about in many ways. The City Administration can bring legislation to the Council for a vote. In addition, Councilmembers can bring forth their own or citizen-initiated legislation. Lastly, legislation can also be brought before the Council for consideration by way of authorities, boards, commissions, and committees of the City of Thomasville.
Can I speak at a Council Workshop or Council Meeting?
Yes. The ‘Citizens to be Heard’ portion of Council Workshops and Meetings is the best opportunity for Citizens to share concerns and opinions. Citizens wishing to address the City Council must list their name, contact information and comment topic on the sign-in sheet located at the hall entrance table prior to the start of a Council Workshop or Meeting. Citizens scheduled to speak are allowed to address Council for three minutes. The ‘Citizens to be Heard’ sign-in sheet is removed five minutes prior to the start tme of each Council Workshop and Council Meeting.
How do I best contact a Councilmember?
Councilmembers can be contacted via email. Email links for each Councilmember are located on the Thomasville City Council web page or by clicking here.