The Thomasville City Council on Tuesday adopted a local excise tax on vapor products, approved the city’s 2025–26 general fund budget and cleared several personnel and parks items.

The council passed the vapor products excise tax ordinance by a 5–1 vote after suspending the rules to consider changes made since the previous meeting. The council recorded one dissenting vote from Councilman Davis; the clerk reported five votes in favor and one opposed. Mayor Brown explained the measure arose from a recent legislative opportunity, saying, “I must stress at this point, to my knowledge, these products are not being taxed … other than state tax.” The ordinance will allow municipal excise taxation of vapor products where localities choose to adopt it.

Councilors unanimously approved the city’s 2025–26 general fund budget, which Mayor Brown said totals $14,235,625 compared with last year’s $13,643,000 — an increase of roughly $580,000–$590,000 tied in part to projected new building activity and other local income. The council also approved three personnel actions recommended by the personnel board: reclassifying the library circulation manager position from grade 5 to grade 6; posting a part‑time library custodian position; and filling a part‑time (20 hours/week) assistant manager position at the Thomasville Nutrition Center.

On parks and recreation business, the council authorized staff to advertise and accept bids for a new restroom and concession facility at Gates Drive Park. Reg (city staff) and Mayor Brown said the existing facility is undersized for year‑round use and youth sports; the council set a target bid opening for 10 a.m. on Oct. 1 and allowed a possible one‑week extension to Oct. 8 if contractors requested more time. The council discussed scheduling the bid opening and possible award at the Oct. 13 meeting, or the Oct. 20 meeting if schedules require.

The planning/building department presented several permits and construction items the council approved, including a $1.2 million permit for a new Zaxby’s (applicant: Hudson Sandifer/Pacesetter Construction), work for Martin Serenity Funeral Home (contractor Gibby Construction), and a mobile‑home permit for Bash Eye Road (applicant Jameson Lanier). The council also received updates on economic development: Zaxby’s plans to clear the site in early October and aims for a mid‑ to early‑March opening; the Highway 5/43 corridor projects and new industrial activity were noted as drivers for local growth.

Mayor Brown provided a brief update on hospital negotiations, stressing several nondisclosure agreements limit what city officials can disclose publicly: “I’ve had to sign numerous, nondisclosure, documents, by all parties. So therefore, I can't publicly state what's going on,” he said. The mayor asked for patience while staff continue behind‑the‑scenes work.

Council members also discussed a draft golf‑cart ordinance (not yet before the council) that would exclude ATVs and allow only golf carts or qualifying side‑by‑sides on streets with 25 mph speed limits or lower; details, including licensing and insurance requirements, will be brought back for council review. The mayor and staff urged residents to be cautious about outdoor burning amid a dry spell; Reed (fire personnel) reminded residents the fire department has been busy and advised against burning if possible.

The meeting included routine approvals of the agenda, minutes and accounts payable; the council adjourned after the items above were disposed of.