Thomasville City Council Hears Mother’s Police Complaint; Plate Reader Rules, Hospital Sale Also on Agenda

THOMASVILLE, Ala. — A Thomasville mother told the Thomasville City Council on Monday, Oct. 26, that she believes city police officers have repeatedly mistreated her 19-year-old son, and Mayor Sheldon Day urged her to take her concerns directly to Police Chief Mitchell Stuckey.

The council also reviewed proposed rules governing the use of automatic license plate reader cameras, heard an update on the pending sale of the closed Thomasville Regional Medical Center, took a first look at changes to the city’s alcohol ordinance and received a warning about an upcoming road closure tied to the West Alabama Highway project.

Resident brings police concerns to Thomasville City Council

Clarissa Coston addressed the council about what she described as a series of encounters between Thomasville police officers and her son, Jaylen, 19. She questioned how officers had handled traffic stops involving him and the towing of his four-wheeler, and she said she was worried about his safety and the way he had been treated.

Coston described several incidents. In one, she said, her son received a reckless driving ticket while he was in a parking lot. She also raised concerns about a recent traffic stop over alleged noise from her son’s car, and she said an officer used curse words in comments directed at him.

“I want my son to be safe,” Coston said. She told the council she did not want the situation to escalate into a possible confrontation between her son and police.

Day said Stuckey could review the complaints, determine whether any improper conduct took place and help clear up questions about the vehicle-related issues. After the meeting, Coston and her son spoke with Stuckey about setting a date to sit down and discuss her concerns.

No findings on the complaints were announced at the meeting.

Mayor cites loud vehicles, four-wheeler enforcement

Day also offered context for the department’s traffic enforcement. He said the city has received complaints about loud vehicles and reckless driving, and that officers are working to address those concerns.

He said the city has stepped up enforcement involving four-wheelers on public roads because of safety concerns, including a previous fatal accident.

Alabama law generally restricts the use of all-terrain vehicles on public roadways, and many cities across the state have adopted their own rules or enforcement efforts in response to safety complaints. Residents with questions about where off-road vehicles may legally be driven inside the city can contact the police department.

Rules proposed for license plate reader cameras

Council members also discussed a proposed memorandum of understanding among Thomasville, other Clarke County municipalities and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department that would set oversight rules for automatic license plate reader cameras.

License plate readers are cameras that capture images of passing vehicles’ tags and record the time and location. Law enforcement agencies use the data to look for stolen vehicles, wanted people and vehicles connected to crimes or emergencies. Because the systems collect information on large numbers of drivers who are not suspected of anything, many agencies have adopted written policies on who may search the data and why.

Under the procedures proposed for Clarke County agencies:

• Searches of stored camera data would require approval from two supervisors.
• Every search would be logged.
• Access would be limited to legitimate law enforcement purposes, including criminal investigations and emergencies such as locating an abducted child or a missing person.
• The agreement calls for oversight of the system and accountability for officers who improperly access or use the information.

Hospital sale goes before a judge

Day reported that a court hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at which a potential buyer would submit a purchase order for approval to buy Thomasville Regional Medical Center.

He said the prospective buyer has also signed preliminary operating and lease agreements with an operating group. Day said further details could not be released until after the court hearing.

The 29-bed hospital opened in 2020 and closed in 2024 after defaulting on a $35 million loan. Its mortgage holder asked that the property be placed in receivership so it would be maintained while a buyer was sought, and a court-appointed receiver has controlled the property since. Because of the receivership, a judge must approve a sale before the property changes hands.

Day told the council earlier this month that he hoped to announce new ownership within about two weeks. Even after a sale is approved, reopening a closed hospital generally requires state licensing, federal certification for Medicare and Medicaid, and the hiring of physicians, nurses and support staff, steps that can take months.

Residents of Thomasville and the surrounding area have had to travel to other communities for inpatient and emergency hospital care since the closure.

Alcohol ordinance changes get first reading

City Attorney Glenn Padgett presented the first reading of an amendment to Thomasville’s alcohol ordinance. The proposed changes would:

• Provide for random quarterly inspections.
• Clarify how violations are reported and the penalties that apply.
• Allow the police chief to suspend an alcohol license for up to 72 hours in particularly serious circumstances.

A first reading introduces an ordinance to the council and the public. The council is expected to take up the amendment again before any final vote.

Severe weather sales tax holiday

The council approved a resolution allowing Thomasville to take part in Alabama’s severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday, scheduled for the last weekend of February.

During the annual holiday, the state waives its sales tax on qualifying emergency supplies, such as batteries, flashlights, weather radios, tarps and portable generators under a set price. Cities and counties decide each year whether to waive their local sales taxes as well. By joining, Thomasville will not collect its city sales tax on qualifying items during that weekend.

Road closure coming for West Alabama Highway work

Day warned residents that access from Old U.S. Highway 43 to the new U.S. 43 alignment is scheduled to close beginning Nov. 2 as part of the ongoing West Alabama Highway project. Officials expect the closure to last 60 to 90 days.

The West Alabama Highway project is a long-running state effort to build a four-lane corridor along U.S. 43 through west Alabama. Drivers who use the Old U.S. 43 connection should plan alternate routes while the closure is in place and watch for detour signs.

At a glance

• Police complaint: Resident Clarissa Coston raised concerns about police treatment of her son; she and the police chief are setting a meeting.
• License plate readers: Proposed countywide rules would require two-supervisor approval and logs for data searches.
• Hospital: A court hearing on a proposed purchase of Thomasville Regional Medical Center was set for Oct. 28.
• Alcohol ordinance: First reading of changes including random quarterly inspections and 72-hour suspensions.
• Tax holiday: City will join the severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday in late February.
• Road closure: Old U.S. 43 access to new U.S. 43 closes Nov. 2 for 60 to 90 days.