DECATUR, Ind. — The Decatur Board of Works on Tuesday approved several routine items and held an extended discussion on township fire contract funding as budget season approaches.
The meeting opened with approval of minutes from April 21 before turning to a request involving improvements in the Deer Run area. Officials said equipment currently sits too low in a drainage ditch and becomes submerged during heavy water. As one staff member explained, “that location is also in the bottom of the ditch when fills up with water” . The board voted to accept the submitted bid after confirming no additional quotes were pending.
Township fire contract funding revisited
Fire Chief Jeff Sheets presented updated calculations comparing township contributions to the Decatur Fire Department budget with the percentage of emergency runs occurring outside city limits. Sheets noted that roughly 22% of fire runs take place in the townships, while the townships collectively fund about 10% of the department’s annual budget. According to the transcript, “22% of the runs were outside of city limits… only 10% was being provided by all the townships” .
The imbalance prompted the city to begin reviewing the long‑standing contract formula last year. Sheets said the contracts have remained largely unchanged since the 1980s.
The board and township representatives discussed several examples, including St. Mary’s Township. Two working fires there would have cost $13,100 under statutory reimbursement rates, Sheets said — more than the township’s entire annual contract amount prior to last year’s adjustment. “Two fires cost us 13,000,” he noted, underscoring the gap between service demand and funding.
No action was taken Tuesday. Officials said they expect to revisit the matter in June as both the city and townships begin preparing 2027 budgets.
Personnel approvals and equipment update
The board unanimously approved hiring a new paid‑on‑call firefighter. “Motion to approve… All in favor? I,” the transcript shows.
Sheets also reported that training and inspection for the city’s new aerial truck are scheduled for May 18–19, with hopes of placing the unit into service in early June.
Fire department chaplain added
For the first time in about 15 years, the department will add a volunteer chaplain. Sheets said an individual has offered to serve but raised concerns about liability if the chaplain responds to emergency scenes. The board clarified that the position is unpaid but covered under the city’s workers’ compensation policy. As stated during discussion, “It’s not a paid position… we want to be working comp‑ability” .
The board approved the addition unanimously.
Boundless Child Care lease renewed
The board also approved a 12‑month lease renewal for Boundless Child Care at the MERIT Center. The organization, formerly King’s Kingdom, is completing its three‑year term and requested a one‑year extension under its updated name and affiliation with Boundless Church of the Nazarene.
Key terms include:
- Lease period: Aug. 2, 2026 – Aug. 1, 2027
- Rate: $5.25 per sq. ft. annually
- Total rent: $31,089.75
- Space: 6,059 sq. ft., including multiple classrooms, cafeteria, and non‑exclusive use of the gym and playground
According to the transcript, “There’s no discount… It is 525 a square foot annually with a total rent of $31,89.75” .
The board approved the renewal and authorized the mayor to sign.