Dothan commission votes to cut planning commission newspaper notices from two publications to one after debate

The Dothan City Commission on Jan. 7 voted to reduce the number of newspaper publications that advertise the planning commission agenda from two notices to one, prompting debate about public notice and accessibility.

Commissioners discussed whether the change — described by staff as a cost-savings measure — would reduce public awareness. One commissioner said the cut could look like the city was trying to “conceal notice” and urged expanded outreach to ensure residents know how to sign up for agenda notifications. City staff said the city would continue to post notices on its website and social media and mail notification letters to adjacent property owners for affected items. Legal staff told the commission there is no statute requiring two newspaper publications for these notices.

City staff cited estimated annual savings of about $76,100 from reducing the second newspaper advertisement. Commissioners questioned whether that saving justified the change and asked staff to increase the city’s online and media outreach. The motion to approve the change passed by voice vote.

Why it matters

Planning commission public notices alert property owners and neighbors about zoning changes, variances and other land-use decisions that can affect property rights and development. Reducing paid newspaper notices lowers direct printing costs but shifts reliance to digital outreach, which may not reach all residents equally.

What the city will do next

Staff said it will continue the 14-day newspaper notice before planning commission meetings (one publication instead of two), maintain mailed notices to adjacent property owners for items affecting nearby parcels, post on social media, and re-promote the website signup for agendas.

Commissioners requested additional outreach and a renewed social-media push to make residents aware of signup options.