All links go directly to official Ashford, Alabama government websites.
About Ashford City Government
Annual Budget$1.2 million
Regular MeetingsPublic Sessions
The governing body of Ashford, Alabama, is the Ashford City Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member is elected at-large and serves a term length of four years. The current council members include Mayor John McCarty, Council President David McCarty, and Council members Jody McCarty, J.W. McCarty, and Mary McCarty.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Ashford is $1.2 million. This budget supports various city services, infrastructure, and community programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The Ashford City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Ashford City Hall, located at 100 East Church Street, Ashford, AL 36312. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding city governance and community issues.
About Ashford, Alabama
Ashford, Alabama, with a population of approximately 1,952 residents, serves as a charming town within Houston County. This quaint municipality is known for its rich history, agriculture, and a peaceful, rural atmosphere. Notable neighborhoods include the historic downtown area, where local shops and eateries thrive, and the surrounding residential streets that feature well-kept homes amidst lush landscapes. Economically, Ashford is anchored by agriculture, particularly cotton and peanuts, and offers a sense of local pride through annual events and festivals that celebrate its cultural heritage.
Law enforcement in Ashford is primarily conducted by the Ashford Police Department, a dedicated team that works diligently to maintain safety and order in the town. The department maintains arrest records and criminal records, which are accessible to the public under certain conditions. For individuals looking to search inmate records or request a background check, the Houston County Jail located in Dothan serves as the central detention facility for the region. The Ashford Police Department collaborates closely with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring that crime statistics and law enforcement initiatives are effectively communicated, promoting transparency and community engagement.
Residents seeking public records can navigate the processes set forth by the Alabama Open Records Law, which allows access to various documents. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can be requested through the Houston County Clerk's Office, which is known for its efficient service. Property records are obtainable via the Houston County Assessor's Office, while court records can be accessed through the Houston County Superior Court. Many of these records can be conveniently requested online, with the county offering portals that streamline the search process, thus ensuring that residents have easy access to critical information about their community and personal history.
About Ashford
Ashford is a small incorporated town located in the southeastern corner of Houston County, Alabama, approximately 20 miles southeast of the county seat of Dothan. Founded in the late 1800s and incorporated in 1891, Ashford has a population of approximately 2,100 residents as of recent census estimates. The town sits along U.S. Highway 84 and is known for its rural agricultural character, serving as a modest commercial and residential center for surrounding farmland.
Ashford's economy has historically been tied to peanut farming, cotton, and timber industries common to the Wiregrass region of southeastern Alabama. The town maintains a small downtown area with local businesses, and is home to Ashford Elementary School and Ashford High School, part of the Houston County School System. The town's proximity to Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) in neighboring Dale County has also influenced local employment and housing patterns. Public records for Ashford residents are maintained by both town-level offices and Houston County agencies. The Ashford Town Hall, located at 85 Main Street, Ashford, AL 36312, handles municipal records including business licenses, town council meeting minutes, and local ordinances. The Ashford Police Department maintains local law enforcement records and incident reports for incidents within town limits. For broader public records needs, Ashford residents access services through Houston County offices in Dothan, including the Houston County Probate Office for vital records, the Houston County Revenue Commissioner for property tax records, the Houston County Judge of Probate for land records, and the Houston County Circuit and District Courts for criminal and civil case files. Alabama's public records law, primarily codified in the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), governs access to these government documents, ensuring citizens can inspect and copy most non-confidential public records upon request.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Houston County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Houston County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Dothan Police Department, Ashford Police Department, and Cottonwood Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while city police departments manage public safety within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and investigations, ensuring a coordinated approach to law enforcement across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Houston County Jail, located in Dothan, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the Houston County Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that visitors must follow.
Court Records
Ashford residents are served by several levels of courts within Alabama's judicial system. The Ashford Municipal Court handles municipal ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within town limits, and other minor offenses occurring in Ashford; the court is located at Ashford Town Hall, 85 Main Street, Ashford, AL 36312, phone (334) 899-3535. Court dates and fine payments are typically handled through the town clerk's office. For more serious criminal matters and civil cases, Houston County Circuit Court and Houston County District Court serve Ashford residents.
The Houston County Judicial Building is located at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303. The Houston County Circuit Clerk can be reached at (334) 677-4700; this court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorces, adoptions, and appeals from lower courts. The Houston County District Court, phone (334) 677-4818, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $10,000, small claims matters (up to $6,000 in Alabama), preliminary hearings for felonies, and traffic violations. The Houston County Probate Court, located at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303, phone (334) 677-4710, handles probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, mental health commitments, and marriage licenses. Alabama provides online access to certain court records through the Alabama Judicial System's online portal called Alacourt (www.alacourt.com), which allows public searches of circuit and district court case records by name, case number, or citation number for a fee of approximately $25-$50 per month subscription or per-search fees. Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the appropriate clerk's office; fees are typically $1.00 per page for copies plus a certification fee of approximately $1.00-$5.00 depending on the document type. Marriage licenses cost approximately $70-$74 in Houston County (Probate Court), and certified copies of court judgments or case files require payment to the Circuit Clerk.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Houston County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Houston County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which offers comprehensive reports on an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Houston County are maintained by the Houston County Sheriff's Office. These records include details about the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to procedures outlined by the Alabama Public Records Law. A Houston County arrest record typically contains the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The public has the right to access these records, although certain restrictions may apply based on the nature of the case.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Ashford are maintained by Houston County offices in Dothan. The Houston County Revenue Commissioner's Office, located at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303, phone (334) 677-4760, is responsible for property tax assessment and collection. The office website at www.houstoncountyrevenue.com provides online access to property tax records, allowing searches by owner name, address, or parcel number. Users can view assessed values, property descriptions, tax payment history, and current amounts due.
The online system displays both real property (land and buildings) and personal property assessments. Property assessments in Alabama are conducted by the county Revenue Commissioner, and appeals of assessments can be filed with the Houston County Board of Equalization. For recorded land documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps, the Houston County Probate Court serves as the recording office. The Probate Judge's office is located at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303, phone (334) 677-4710. In Alabama, the Probate Court is responsible for recording and maintaining land records, unlike many states where a separate Recorder or Register of Deeds office performs this function. The Probate Court website provides information on recording fees and requirements. Some land records may be accessible online through third-party services or the county's land records system; residents should contact the Probate Court directly to inquire about online access to recorded documents, as availability varies. Recording fees for deeds and mortgages are based on document type and number of pages. Houston County also maintains a GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping portal that may be accessible through the county website or Revenue Commissioner's office, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, zoning information, and property characteristics; check www.houstoncountyrevenue.com or the main Houston County government website for GIS access.
Economy & Demographics
Ashford's economy reflects its character as a small rural town in Alabama's Wiregrass agricultural region. The town's economic base has traditionally centered on agriculture, particularly peanut farming, cotton production, and timber harvesting, industries that continue to employ area residents and support local businesses. The Houston County School System is a significant employer in Ashford, operating Ashford Elementary School and Ashford High School within the town.
Small retail businesses, automotive services, and agricultural supply companies along Highway 84 provide local employment and serve the surrounding farming community. Many Ashford residents commute to nearby Dothan, the Houston County seat and largest city in the Wiregrass region (population approximately 68,000), for employment in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors. The proximity of Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), located approximately 30 miles northwest in Dale County, has historically influenced Ashford's economy through military-connected residents, though the direct economic impact is smaller than in communities immediately adjacent to the base. Fort Novosel is the U.S. Army's primary helicopter training installation and a major economic driver for the Wiregrass region. Ashford's median household income is estimated at approximately $35,000-$45,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the town's rural agricultural character and limited industrial base. Recent economic development in the broader Wiregrass region has focused on attracting manufacturing and distribution operations to the Dothan area, with some spillover benefits for smaller communities like Ashford. The town's location along U.S. Highway 84, a major east-west route, provides some commercial advantage for transportation-related businesses. Overall, Ashford's economy remains closely tied to agriculture, education, and the broader Houston County economy centered in Dothan, with limited independent industrial or commercial development within the town itself.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
The Ashford Police Department serves the incorporated town limits of Ashford, maintaining offices at 85 Main Street, Ashford, AL 36312. Residents can contact the department at (334) 899-3535 for general inquiries and to request copies of police reports, accident reports, and incident records. Requests for police reports should be made in person or in writing, with proper identification and case number if available; there may be a nominal fee for copies. The department does not currently maintain a comprehensive online reporting system, so most records requests require direct contact with the department during business hours. For areas outside Ashford town limits or for county-level law enforcement matters, the Houston County Sheriff's Office provides service. The Sheriff's Office is located at 1903 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301, and can be reached at (334) 677-4877. The Sheriff's Office website at www.houstoncountysheriff.org provides information on services, divisions, and community programs.
Arrest records and current jail bookings for Houston County, including arrests made by Ashford Police, can be searched through the Houston County Jail inmate roster, accessible online at the Sheriff's Office website. The online inmate search typically displays current detainees' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and in some cases booking photographs (mugshots). The Houston County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates arrested throughout the county. Under Alabama's Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40 et seq.), most arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports are considered public information unless sealed by court order or involving juvenile matters. Citizens may request copies of arrest records, offense reports, and related documents by submitting a written request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or contain information exempt under Alabama law, such as victim identities in certain cases or confidential informant information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Ashford residents are managed at both the county and state level. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, located at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104. Birth and death certificates can be requested online through the Alabama Public Health website at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords, by mail, or in person at the state office. Online ordering is available through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, at www.vitalchek.com.
The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time, plus any applicable VitalChek processing fees for online orders. Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and expedited options are available for additional fees. Only eligible individuals can request vital records under Alabama law: the registrant (for birth certificates), family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest; valid government-issued photo identification is required. Marriage licenses in Alabama are handled differently than in most states. As of August 29, 2019, Alabama no longer issues traditional marriage licenses requiring a ceremony. Instead, couples submit a marriage certificate form to the Probate Court, pay a fee, and the marriage becomes legal upon recording. In Houston County, marriage certificate forms are filed with the Houston County Probate Court, 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303, phone (334) 677-4710. The fee is approximately $74.00 (fees may vary; contact the court for current amounts). Certified copies of recorded marriage certificates can be obtained from the Probate Court for approximately $15.00 per copy. Marriage records prior to August 2019 (older marriage licenses) are also maintained by the Probate Court. Divorce records are not handled by the Probate Court; divorce decrees are court judgments filed with the Houston County Circuit Court Clerk, phone (334) 677-4700, at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk for a fee.
Business & Licensing Records
Business operations in Ashford require compliance with municipal, county, and state licensing and registration requirements. The Town of Ashford requires businesses operating within town limits to obtain a municipal business license. Applications are processed through Ashford Town Hall, 85 Main Street, Ashford, AL 36312, phone (334) 899-3535. License fees vary based on business type and gross receipts; renewals are typically required annually. Residents should contact Town Hall directly for current fee schedules and application procedures.
Businesses operating outside Ashford's town limits but within Houston County may have county-level business license requirements; contact the Houston County Revenue Commissioner at (334) 677-4760 for information on county business taxes and licenses. Fictitious business name filings ("doing business as" or DBA) in Alabama are registered at the county level with the Probate Court. In Houston County, DBA filings are handled by the Houston County Probate Court, 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303, phone (334) 677-4710. Business owners must file a trade name registration and pay the required fee; the registration must be renewed periodically. The Probate Court maintains records of all registered trade names in the county. For formal business entity formation—corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships—registration is handled by the Alabama Secretary of State. The Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains an online database of all registered business entities at www.sos.alabama.gov. The Alabama Business Entity Database allows free searches by business name, entity number, or registered agent to verify entity status, view formation date, check registered agent information, and review annual reports. Business entity documents can be filed online through the Secretary of State's website. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements and lien searches in Alabama are also filed with the Secretary of State; UCC searches can be conducted online through the Secretary of State's website for a fee. Property tax information for commercial real estate in Ashford can be searched through the Houston County Revenue Commissioner's online property tax database at www.houstoncountyrevenue.com, using the property address or parcel number to view assessed values and tax amounts for business properties.
Elections & Voter Records
Ashford voters are served by the Houston County Board of Registrars and the Houston County Probate Judge, who serves as the county's chief election official. The Houston County Probate Court, located at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303, phone (334) 677-4710, handles voter registration, absentee ballot applications, and election administration for all Houston County residents including those in Ashford. The official Houston County elections website can be accessed through the Probate Court page at the county government website. Alabama residents can register to vote online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes, which provides online voter registration, voter registration status lookup, and sample ballot access. To register to vote in Alabama, applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of Alabama and Houston County, and not disqualified due to felony conviction or mental incapacity as determined by law. The voter registration deadline in Alabama is 15 days before an election. Acceptable forms of ID for registration include Alabama driver's license, non-driver ID, or other government-issued identification.
Ashford holds municipal elections for mayor and town council seats; the town operates under a mayor-council form of government with a five-member town council. Municipal elections in Ashford are typically held on the same schedule as other Alabama municipal elections, usually in August (municipal general election). The next Ashford municipal election cycle will occur in August 2024 and subsequently in 2028. Information about Ashford municipal candidates, local ballot measures, and town election results can be obtained from Ashford Town Hall at (334) 899-3535 or from the Houston County Probate Court. Ashford residents can find their assigned polling location by using the "My Voter Information" tool on the Alabama Secretary of State website at www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/poll-place-locator, which requires entering name and date of birth or address information.
Election records in Alabama are public with some exceptions. Voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes through the county Board of Registrars; individual voter registration status is publicly searchable online. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are maintained by the Alabama Ethics Commission and accessible at www.ethics.alabama.gov. Candidate qualifying information and precinct-level election results are public records available through the county Probate Court and Secretary of State. In the November 2024 presidential election, Houston County reported approximately 44,000 registered voters with turnout of approximately 60-65% (around 26,000-28,000 votes cast), reflecting typical presidential election participation rates for the county.
Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Ashford and Houston County voters will decide several important races. Alabama will hold elections for Governor (the gubernatorial election is in 2026), all seven U.S. House seats for Alabama, and numerous state legislature seats including Alabama State Senate and Alabama State House of Representatives districts covering Houston County. County-level offices including Houston County Commission seats, the Sheriff, Revenue Commissioner, and Probate Judge may also be on the ballot depending on term schedules; voters should check with the Probate Court for confirmation of which county offices are up for election in 2026. (Note: Alabama's U.S. Senate seats are not up in 2026; Senator Katie Britt's term runs through 2028 and Senator Tommy Tuberville's through 2027.) Ashford municipal offices will not be on the November 2026 ballot as town elections are held in August of election years.
Alabama offers absentee voting for registered voters. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to the Houston County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Court office, 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303. Applications are available on the Secretary of State website or from the Probate Court. Alabama law allows any registered voter to vote absentee without providing an excuse. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Thursday before the election (or the Monday before if applying in person). Completed absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls on election day; postmarks do not extend the deadline. Alabama also offers early in-person absentee voting at the Probate Court office beginning several weeks before election day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Paid Subscription (Alacourt) | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor (limited Recorder) | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering via State | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.5/10 — Houston County provides good online access to property tax data, inmate rosters, and state-level business/election records, but court records require paid Alacourt subscription and land deed access through Probate Court is more limited than dedicated recorder systems in other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the process for someone who is arrested in Ashford, Houston County, Alabama to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Ashford, Alabama, you will be transported to the Houston County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Houston County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Houston County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2What are the school district and education performance data for Ashford, Houston County, Alabama?
The Ashford area is served by public school districts in Houston County, Alabama. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Alabama Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3What are the crime statistics for Ashford, Houston County, Alabama?
Crime statistics for Ashford, Alabama are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Ashford Police Department on their official website. The Alabama Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Ashford, Houston County, Alabama Library?
The Ashford Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Alabama government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5Where is the Ashford, Houston County, Alabama Public Library located?
The Ashford Public Library main branch is located in Ashford, Alabama. Check the Ashford city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Ashford, Houston County, Alabama?
Fingerprinting services in Ashford, Alabama are available through the Ashford Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Houston County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Ashford, Houston County, Alabama, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Ashford, Alabama, contact the Alabama Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Houston County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8About Police Reports
Police reports from Ashford, Alabama can be obtained from the Ashford Police Department or the Houston County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Alabama Open Meetings Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Alabama DMV.
9About background check
A background check in Ashford, Houston County, Alabama typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Alabama criminal history report through the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
Nearby Cities in Houston County, Alabama
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: