The Decatur City Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and moved through a wide-ranging agenda that included event approvals, ordinance actions, and a detailed look at next year’s budget. All five council members were present.
Council approved a request from Trisha Gonzalez, speaking on behalf of Brianna’s Hope, to hang purple ribbons around town from August 29 through September 5 as part of International Overdose Awareness Day. She described the event planned for August 31 in downtown Decatur and said the ribbons would serve as a reminder of the lives affected by addiction. Council granted permission for the ribbons, while noting that use of Madison Street Plaza must go through the city’s event application process. Gonzalez said the awareness effort matters because it connects residents with resources and supports families who have experienced overdose loss.
The city’s event coordinator provided updates on several upcoming activities. The Chamber Car Show will take place August 27 with multiple street closures. A rescheduled Chamber concert is set for September 10. Adams Health Senior Living will host a concert on September 3, St. Mary’s Fall Fest on September 13, and the Main Street Halloween Bash on October 10. Each event includes specific street restrictions.
Council completed the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2026‑12, which updates the composition of the city’s arts commission board. The vote was unanimous.
Members also adopted Resolution 2026‑8, reducing appropriations in the Motor Vehicle Highway Restricted Fund by $560,500 after the city did not apply for Community Crossings grant funding this year.
The mayor announced that city computer systems will be offline on Friday, August 28 due to a transition away from the county’s IT network. Public safety systems and phones will remain operational.
Council introduced Ordinance 2026‑14, a full repeal and replacement of the city’s peddler and solicitor rules. The proposal adds background checks, ID tags, and a structured permit process. After passing the first reading, council tabled the ordinance until September 1. A public hearing will be required because the ordinance includes fees and penalties.
A detailed 2027 budget review followed. The plan includes a 3% employee pay increase and a finalized 5.8% rise in health insurance costs. Workers compensation and liability insurance were tentatively budgeted at a 12% increase. Department adjustments included keeping an additional police officer, budgeting for two new sergeant positions, increased fire reporting software costs, sanitation reductions due to final lease payments, and changes in MVH funding tied to new municipal wheel and excise tax revenue. Parks and Recreation saw increases for software, staffing, and beautification. Redevelopment Commission adjustments included higher professional and legal service costs and a $200,000 reduction in capital projects.
Officials also noted that heavy trash pickup will begin the week of September 14 due to the calendar layout. Water projects on Madison Street and Winchester Road are expected to begin within two weeks, with public notices forthcoming.
View the full meeting on YouTube – https://youtu.be/UVt6VyF6G88?si=u1sC-tWfkZZKRrc3