Ala. Code § 45-35A-54.01
The territorial limits of the city shall remain the same as under its former organization, except that for the purpose of holding elections under applicable laws the present governing body of Dothan shall, by duly enacted ordinance, divide such city into four wards, each containing as nearly as practical an equal number of qualified electors of the city. Ward No. 1 shall be that portion of the city in the northeast section, Ward No. 2 shall be that portion of the city in the southeast section, Ward No. 3 shall be that portion of the city in the southwest section, and Ward No. 4 shall be that portion of the city in the northwest section. One associate commissioner shall reside in each of the four wards, and prior to his or her election to represent a ward, shall have resided in the ward for at least six months. The president of the board of commissioners may live in either ward. All candidates for election as members of the board of commissioners shall have been qualified electors in the city for at least one year prior to his or her qualifying as a candidate for office. The president and the associate commissioners provided for by this part shall be known collectively as the Board of Commissioners of the City of Dothan and shall have powers and duties hereinafter provided.
Ala. Code § 45-35A-54.01 (1975)