Thomasville council approves Title VI, language access, fiscal and administrative policy updates

At the Dec. 16 meeting the Thomasville City Council approved a broad consent agenda that included nondiscrimination, access and fiscal-policy updates intended to align city procedures with state and federal expectations and to strengthen fiscal reserves.

City Attorney Misti Whitman presented a Title VI Non-Discrimination Policy Statement that covers protections for race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability, including limited English proficiency considerations. The council adopted a Language Access Plan to provide services for individuals with limited English proficiency and approved a Reasonable Accommodations Policy and procedure explaining how residents can request accommodations and what steps to take if requests are not met.

Deputy City Manager Bowling summarized changes to fiscal policy, including raising the unassigned fund balance threshold from 24% to 50% for appropriations related to emergencies, establishing an Economic Development reserve limited to infrastructure projects (water, sewer and streets), and set-asides for street paving and parks. The consent agenda also included a new Electronic Funds Transfer policy, an Investment policy confirming compliance with state regulations, a Conflict of Interest policy for staff, and adoption of the 2025 City Council meeting schedule. Mayor Pro Tem Scott Styers moved to approve the consent agenda; Council Member Doug Hunt seconded and the council approved the items unanimously (6-0).

City staff will incorporate the new policies into city procedures and publish guidance where applicable.