https://www.hornfordecatur.org/

Horn for Decatur - David Horn - Decatur City Council, Decatur, IL (2026)

10/18/2026

TIF DISTRICTS AND ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY

A new TIF District and an expansion of a second TIF District, along with additional water supply during a drought, will be discussed at the next Decatur City Council meeting on October 19. The Near North Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District which is located in the city’s urban core will be expiring on December 31, 2027. City staff are proposing to expand the size of the TIF district and extend its lifespan by 23 years through the creation of the Near North 2 TIF District (this will include Wabash Crossing). City staff are also considering establishing a new TIF district generally located along Pershing Road, North 22nd St. and nearby commercial and industrial areas. The first step before a new or expanded TIF can be established is to perform a feasibility study and prepare a redevelopment plan via a professional services agreement with a consultant and this is the action the city council will likely take.

WHAT IS A TIF DISTRICT?

TIF stands for Tax Increment Financing. According to the Illinois Municipal League Fact Sheet (https://www.iml.org/file.cfm?key=18431), “TIF is a mechanism for municipalities to spur economic development in specific geographic areas that are blighted and deteriorating. … local taxing bodies create a TIF redevelopment project area, or TIF district, whereby the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of the property in the area is set at a base amount. … The growth of the EAV of property within the TIF district (the increment) is collected into a special fund for use by the municipality to make additional eligible investments in the TIF project areas.” Before a TIF district can be established, the municipality is required to identify the economic and physical failings that are to be corrected, and TIF funds can be used for projects such as property demolition and renovation. The maximum duration that a TIF district can last is 23 years with the option of extending an additional 12-24 years pending approval of the Illinois General Assembly.

BECOMING MORE DROUGHT RESILIENT

The City of Decatur currently does not have the alternative water supply needed to meet the water demands in a worst-case scenario drought. While the city has purchased the former Vulcan mine pit in Harristown, building a pipeline from the pit to the South Water Treatment Plant would cost over $30 million. Another possibility would be to maximize the amount of water that can be drawn from the preexisting wells of the DeWitt Co. well field. The city council will likely approve a sponsored service agreement with the University of Illinois to assess the maximum sustainable yield of the DeWitt well field. In addition, the study will examine the potential of the newly purchased agricultural land near Lane, as well as the city’s Cisco well field, to extract water in a drought. Using pre-existing infrastructure to become more drought resilient is likely more cost effective than building a pipeline from Harristown to Decatur.

COMMUNITY VISIONING SESSION

On October 20 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Madden Auditorium of the Decatur Public Library, the City of Decatur is hosting a community visioning session associated with the forthcoming comprehensive plan. Among the questions to be asked include: what is and what isn’t working well, what are some of the things that Decatur needs? What is hard to do in the city that should be easier? What would you like to see Decatur look like in 10 years?

CONTINUUM OF CARE STATEMENT ON CLOSING OF OASIS DAY CENTER

On October 16, the Decatur-Macon County Continuum of Care Governing Board released the following statement which is partially reprinted here. “The Macon County Continuum of Care (CoC) recognizes that the closure of Oasis has created gaps in services for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. We share the community’s concerns and remain committed to ensuring that our neighbors can access essential care, resources, and support. After taking time to hear the concerns and perspectives of those involved and following up with Federal, State, and local funders that fund many of the CoC initiatives to end homelessness, the CoC Governing Board met today to discuss a collaborative plan and a clear, unified message that would best serve those in need. As a result, the Board reviewed available services and solidified its coordinated approach to connecting people with those resources. … Throughout this time, CoC collaborating agencies have continued providing daily outreach, meals, emergency shelter, healthcare, clothing, housing assistance, and other essential supports. These services remain central to our work, along with helping individuals navigate resources and take steps toward long-term stability. …” Please call the 24/7 hotline at 217-706-6614 for immediate crisis assistance.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

The next meeting of the Decatur City Council will take place on Monday, October 19 at 5:30 PM in the council chambers located on the third floor of the Decatur Civic Center (1 Gary K. Anderson Place). Free parking is available in the lot immediately south of the entrance. Citizens are encouraged to attend meetings and express their views. Citizens are allotted 3 minutes per person near the beginning of each city council meeting. In addition, citizens can provide comments regarding one regular agenda item per meeting for up to three minutes provided they notify the city in advance (and prior to the start of the meeting). You can request to speak on a particular agenda item at a council meeting by filling out an on-line form at: https://www.decaturil.gov/FormCenter/Mayor-Council-11/Advance-Request-to-Speak-at-Council-Meet-60.

AGENDAS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE

An agenda and information about each agenda item for each city council meeting can be found at: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

If you would like to discuss city issues with a council member, phone numbers and email addresses for each council member can be found at the following link: https://www.decaturil.gov/300/Mayor-Council.

10/10/2026

COMMUNITY FORUM ON OASIS DAY CENTER CLOSURE AND NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

On Monday, October 12 at 5:30 PM in the Madden Auditorium of the Decatur Public Library there will be a community forum on the closing of Oasis Day Center, the condition of Wabash Crossing, and services provided by Decatur Public Transit including fixed route buses and Decatur Moves. Earlier this week Heritage Behavioral Health Center announced the permanent closure of the Oasis Day and Resource Center. Numerous residents have expressed concerns about the closure and how individuals that used Oasis would get resources previously provided there. The forum is an opportunity to hear from the community about the closure, and challenges the city faces in increasing the number of affordable housing options. The community forum is part of the “Council Connections” series which provides an opportunity for discussion of critical issues impacting residents. Two Decatur City Council members alternate hosting the public forums. Everyone is welcome to attend and we hope to see you there.

I want to thank the Macon County Continuum of Care led by Dove Inc.’s Homeward Bound. For over 30 years, this organization consisting of approximately 70 agencies and individuals has worked together to assist families and individuals toward permanent housing. Workers in the continuum are attempting to provide unsheltered individuals with services 365 days a year. If you are concerned about someone experiencing homelessness, you can contact Dove Inc.’s Homeward Bound at their 24-hour outreach phone number: 217-706-6614. I also thank the members of the continuum that have recently announced new services including Water St. Mission which will be open from 10 AM-2 PM, Monday-Friday for expanded services, and the Salvation Army which is offering showers daily from 2:30-3:30 PM.

COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY AVAILABLE

Decatur Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital are encouraging residents to participate in a brief Community Health Survey. The survey results will be used to learn more about health challenges in our community so that health needs can be addressed. The survey is available through October 31 and can be accessed at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/35R6NHN Past survey results have led to additional initiatives to improve the well-being of our residents.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY AVAILABLE

The City of Decatur is developing a comprehensive plan that will serve as a long-term vision and guide for development in the city. A comprehensive plan addresses land use, housing, public facilities, transportation, and economic development. The City of Decatur is asking individuals to provide feedback on the comprehensive plan. Please consider completing this important community survey at the following link: https://re-envisiondecatur.participate.app/info

10/08/2026

DAVID HORN’S REMARKS AT CANDIDATE FORUM

On October 7, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Decatur-IL Branch hosted a Candidates Forum. I thank the AAUW for inviting the mayoral candidates to the forum. Below are my introductory remarks at the forum.

Good evening and thank you very much for coming. I want to thank the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Decatur-IL Branch for hosting tonight’s Candidates Forum.

For over nine years, I have been a resident-centered city council member focused on improving where we live and enhancing quality of life for all. My priorities include public safety, job creation, and neighborhood revitalization.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Public safety takes many forms including police and fire protection, as well as safe roads. Let’s start by talking about the Decatur Fire Department which is experiencing a record number of calls year after year. I am particularly concerned that the number of fires calls continues to grow. At the end of August there were 310 fires calls and at this rate, the city will have 465 fires in 2026. By way of comparison, Decatur had 259 fires in all of 2021.

One of multiple explanations for the large rise in number of fires is that the city has a large number of vacant structures. As of February 2024, Decatur was estimated to have as many as 5,200 vacant properties and of those properties up to 1,000 may be at risk. If a recent study done in New York is applicable to Decatur, 1 in 3 structure fires are taking place in abandoned buildings. These vacant properties are not spontaneously combusting, and human activity is playing a role in the fires.

Public safety also involves road safety. I am a strong advocate of the radar speed signs that have been installed in several locations in the city, and I am confident they are having the intended effect of reducing speed. I certainly support adding more of them this year.

Public safety also involves solving crimes and holding those who commit criminal acts accountable. I am supportive of Flock cameras as they assist the Decatur Police Department solve crime including some of the most serious criminal activity. With that said, the recently documented illegal uses of Flock cameras that have taken place throughout the country are unacceptable, and the city must continue do everything it can to make sure residents are not victims of unlawful camera usage.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

A second priority of mine is neighborhood revitalization which goes hand and hand with public safety. The presence of derelict properties is not only a fire risk and public safety issue, It is reasonable to conclude that residents do not feel safe when they live next to a burnt down house or abandoned property. Furthermore, leaving these derelict structures standing for long periods of time may threaten the city’s reputation by weakening public perception of safety.

Decatur continues to have unacceptably high levels of blight. For example, of the 18 neighborhoods within the city’s urban core, 11 neighborhoods have at least a 1 in 4 probability of a property showing a sign of blight such as a broken window, faulty roof (etc.)

Decatur has already demonstrated that crime is reduced, and quality of life increases, when blight is removed and neighborhoods are improved. The city received a $1.25 million grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in 2020 to fund demolitions, cleanups, and lot acquisitions in the Johns Hill Neighborhood. The neighborhood experienced a substantial reduction in crime since the neighborhood was improved and a large increase in civic engagement that is critical to building the community. Multiple national studies have verified that the removal of blight and the creation of green spaces can result in a reduction in gun violence. If we want a safer city, we must remove blight and revitalize our neighborhoods.

GIVING RESIDENTS A VOICE IN DECISION MAKING

In my view, the best policy decisions a city council can make on issues such as public safety and neighborhood revitalization are those that take into account the views of residents. This is why I have called for a referendum on whether large-scale data centers should be built in our city, and it is why I routinely ask for resident feedback on topics coming before the city council whether it be support for a cannabis dispensary or lowering property taxes.

I am the strongest proponent of giving residents a voice in decision making. I am open, transparent, and easily accessible, and strive to respond to every correspondence I receive. Since I have been a council member, I have provided timely information on topics to be discussed at council meetings and my views are available on multiple social media platforms.

With the help of my colleagues, Consuelo Cruz and Dennis Cooper, we have given a voice to residents through the development of a monthly community forum called Council Connections which provides discussion of critical issues impacting residents. Since its inception last year, we have had 100’s of attendees and discussed topics ranging from the state of the city’s health care system, helping small businesses succeed, renter/landlord relations, and how the City be improved.

IT IS TIME FOR A NEW MAYOR

To improve where we live and enhance quality of life for all, it is time for a new Mayor. Decatur’s population has fallen 10.8% since 2010 (76,122 to 67,884). Decatur’s labor force has declined 20.5% since 2010 (from 36,719 in 2010 to 29,197 in 2025). In our city, the median household income is $51,592, the poverty rate is 19.4%, and the childhood poverty rate is ~30%, all worse than the national average.

Furthermore, as this forum is hosted by the AAUW, in regards to higher education, the percent of persons 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher in the city is 60% lower (21.6%) than the national average (35.7%). There are 5,743 fewer people with bachelors degrees in the city compared to the normal U.S. city. The city must do a better job of attracting individuals with a higher education to live and work in the city.

By working together, and focusing on public safety, job creation, and neighborhood revitalization, we can reverse our population decline and other negative trends. As an open, transparent, public servant, I am ready to lead our residents to grow our city as your next Mayor of Decatur. Thank you for your support, and I ask for your vote on April 6, 2027.

10/06/2026

CANDIDATE FORUM ON OCTOBER 7

On Wednesday, October 7 from 6:00–7:45 PM in the Madden Auditorium of the Decatur Public Library there will be a Meet the Candidates Forum hosted by the American Association of University Women Decatur-IL Branch. Six candidates have been invited including 4 running for state or county office in the General Election on November 3, 2026: Doris Turner incumbent State Senator and challenger Frank Lesko, state senate candidates in the 48th District; and Brian Smith and Marsha Webb, candidates for Macon County Clerk. Julie Moore-Wolfe (incumbent) and David Horn, candidates for Mayor of Decatur in the Municipal Election on April 6, 2027 have also been invited to the event. This is a nonpartisan forum to encourage informed voting and is open to the public. As per the press release in the Decatur Tribune “We are aware other candidates may file nominating petitions for the Office of Mayor from October 19, 2026 through October 26, 2026, and if necessary, a Consolidated Primary Election will be held on February 23, 2027.

VOTE DAVID HORN FOR MAYOR ON APRIL 6, 2027

Dr. David J. Horn is seeking election for Mayor of Decatur. Dr. Horn has proudly served on the Decatur City Council since May 2017. For the last nine years, David has been a resident-centered city council member focused on improving where we live and enhancing quality of life for all. His priorities as Mayor will include public safety, job creation, neighborhood revitalization, and reversing population decline.

Councilman Horn voted against increasing property taxes and voted no to unnecessary spending. David voted against more gambling establishments in the city and is opposed to carbon sequestration under Lake Decatur. David voted for economic development opportunities and a cannabis dispensary. He is a strong proponent of giving residents a voice in decision making, working collaboratively with other governmental bodies to achieve shared goals, and utilizing local labor.

Since being elected in 2017, Councilman Horn has attended every city council meeting, participated in hundreds of community events and meetings, and made himself easily accessible. Through social media, he provides timely information on topics to be discussed at council meetings and is transparent regarding his views on city issues. David is committed to responding to every correspondence he receives.

You can learn more about David’s campaign by visiting his website (hornfordecatur.org) or page (www.facebook.com/hornfordecatur). Please contact him via a Facebook message, by email at [email protected] or call 217-358-5003 if you have any questions or would like to support his candidacy.

Thank you for tremendous support and vote David Horn for Mayor on April 6, 2027.

10/04/2026

IS $282,000 FOR DEMOLITION OF THE PROPERTY AT 525 N. CHURCH ST. WORTH THE COST?

The Decatur City Council will be considering paying nearly $300,000 for asbestos remediation and demolition of the property at 525 N. Church St. This former church needs to be demolished, but it is fair for residents to ask whether removal of this property is the best use of the funds available for demolitions. For example, the city spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to demolish the former YWCA building and has yet to be reimbursed, despite the owners of the LLC that owned the building being local. Instead, the vacant lot simply sits idle remaining unsold since its demolition. Thus, it is difficult to conclude that spending $282,000 to demolish the property on Church St. is the best approach. An equivalent amount of funding could remove 18 burnt-down houses including ones that have been standing for months. In my view, demolition of burnt-down houses in residential neighborhoods throughout the city would have a greater impact on improving Decatur neighborhoods than the removal of this single building.

What do you think? Should larger buildings be a priority for the city’s demolition funds?

CANDIDATE FORUM ON OCTOBER 7

On Wednesday, October 7 from 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM in the Madden Auditorium of the Decatur Public Library there will be a Meet the Candidates Forum hosted by the American Association of University Women Decatur-IL Branch. Six candidates have been invited including 4 running for state or county office in the General Election on November 3, 2026 (Doris Turner incumbent State Senator and challenger Frank Lesko, state senate candidates in the 48th District, and Brian Smith and Marsha Webb, candidates for Macon County Clerk. Julie Moore-Wolfe (incumbent) and David Horn, candidates for Mayor of Decatur in the Municipal Election on April 6, 2027 have also been invited to the event. This is a nonpartisan forum to encourage informed voting and is open to the public. As per the press release in the Decatur Tribune “We are aware other candidates may file nominating petitions for the Office of Mayor from October 19, 2026 through October 26, 2026, and if necessary, a Consolidated Primary Election will be held on February 23, 2027.

COMMUNITY FORUM ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN DECATUR ON OCTOBER 12

On Monday, October 12 at 5:30 PM in the Madden Auditorium of the Decatur Public Library there will be a community forum on Decatur Public Transit including fixed route buses and Decatur Moves. For decades, bus service has offered flag stops which allowed passengers to board and exit at places other than bus stops including intersections and crosswalks. This was very convenient for long-time users of the bus service as individuals could walk shorter distances to and from homes, medical appointments, etc., but the practice may have resulted in lower on-time performance of the buses. Decatur Moves recently celebrated its first year of service. What do you like about Decatur Moves? What aspects of Decatur Moves could be enhanced. The forum is an opportunity to hear from the community about about your public transportation system . The community forum is part of the “Council Connections” series which provides an opportunity for discussion of critical issues impacting residents. Two Decatur City Council members alternate hosting the public forums. Everyone is welcome to attend and we hope to see you there.

COMMUNITY SURVEY AVAILABLE

The City of Decatur is developing a comprehensive plan that will serve as a long-term vision and guide for development in the city. A comprehensive plan addresses land use, housing, public facilities, transportation, and economic development. The City of Decatur is asking individuals to provide feedback on the comprehensive plan. Please consider completing this important community survey at the following link: https://re-envisiondecatur.participate.app/info https://re-envisiondecatur.participate.app/info

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

In addition to voting on the possible demolition of 525 N. Church St., the city council will also likely be hiring a consultant to provide a technical analysis that will put the City in a position to ask for mitigation measures associated with the proposed merger of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads. This merger may increase the number of trains going through Decatur by 5-7 per day. In addition, the council will likely pass a Conditional Use Permit for the future owner of the Powers Mansion to host weddings at that location.

The next meeting of the Decatur City Council will take place on Monday, October 5 at 5:30 PM in the council chambers located on the third floor of the Decatur Civic Center (1 Gary K. Anderson Place). Free parking is available in the lot immediately south of the entrance. Citizens are encouraged to attend meetings and express their views. Citizens are allotted 3 minutes per person near the beginning of each city council meeting. In addition, citizens can provide comments regarding one regular agenda item per meeting for up to three minutes provided they notify the city in advance (and prior to the start of the meeting). You can request to speak on a particular agenda item at a council meeting by filling out an on-line form at: https://www.decaturil.gov/FormCenter/Mayor-Council-11/Advance-Request-to-Speak-at-Council-Meet-60.

AGENDAS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE

An agenda and information about each agenda item for each city council meeting can be found at: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

If you would like to discuss city issues with a council member, phone numbers and email addresses for each council member can be found at the following link: https://www.decaturil.gov/300/Mayor-Council.

09/29/2026

YOU CAN BUY A HOUSE IN DECATUR FOR $822

Decatur has been named the second cheapest place in the U.S. to live in 2026 (for cities with metro areas >50,000 residents) by Kiplinger. Unfortunately, the underlying reason for Decatur’s low home prices could be a substantial decline in housing stock quality as a result of a declining population and labor force combined with a local government whose top strategic priority is community revitalization yet has underfunded improvement initiatives for years.

The house pictured in this post burnt down in February 2025, approximately 18 months ago, and is scheduled to be auctioned off for a starting bid of $822. It is reasonable to argue that the house should have been demolished 18 months ago as an emergency demolition, as opposed to being sold to the highest bidder a year and a half later simply delaying its inevitable demolition. Burnt down properties are unsafe eyesores and residents should expect better. Residents deserve a city government that is addressing problems quickly instead of one that allows hazardous conditions to persist.

FIRES CALLS IN DECATUR ARE ON A RECORD PACE

The number of fires calls in Decatur continues to grow. At the end of August there were 310 fires and at this rate, the city will have 465 fires in 2026. By way of comparison, Decatur had 355 fires in 2025, 372 in 2024, 244 in 2023, 243 in 2022 and 259 in 2021.

One of multiple explanations for the large rise in number of fires is that the city has a large number of vacant structures. As of February 2024, Decatur was estimated to have between 4,000-5,200 vacant properties and of those properties between 500-1,000 may be at risk. If a recent study done in New York is applicable to Decatur, 1 in 3 structure fires are taking place in abandoned buildings. With many people experiencing housing insecurity, some may seek vacant housing for shelters. Some individuals may be vandalizing homes and burning copper wire. Others may use vacant properties for criminal activity such as storage of contraband or use as a drug house. These vacant properties are not spontaneously combusting, and human activity is playing a role in the fires.

Reducing the number of fires can be achieved and technology such as GIS is available to map the location of the city’s structure fires. Thus, the City of Decatur can take a more proactive approach to reducing fires. For example, while the city has adopted a 2026-2029 Community Revitalization plan, there appears to be no known connection between the neighborhoods that revitalization efforts are focused on and which neighborhoods are experiencing more fires. As the city identifies those neighborhoods with high levels of fire such neighborhoods can be added to the plan.

BURNT DOWN STRUCTURES AND DERELICT PROPERTIES ARE A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE

The presence of derelict, vacant properties is a public safety issue, and It is reasonable to conclude that residents do not feel safe when they live next to a burnt down house or abandoned property. Furthermore, leaving these derelict structures standing for long periods of time may threaten the city’s reputation by weakening public perception of safety.

Decatur has already demonstrated that crime is reduced, and quality of life increases, when blight is removed and neighborhoods are improved. For example, the city received a $1.25 million grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in 2020 to fund demolitions, cleanups, and lot acquisitions in the Johns Hill Neighborhood. The neighborhood experienced a substantial reduction in crime since the neighborhood was improved (36% reduction in the count of offenses in July-June 2022-2023 vs. July-June 2018-2019), and a large increase in civic engagement that is critical to building the community. Multiple national studies have verified that the removal of blight and the creation of green spaces can result in a reduction in gun violence.

09/27/2026

HIGH PROPERTY TAXES, BIRDS, BUSES, AND BURNT DOWN BUILDINGS

Macon County, IL had the 8th highest effective property tax rate for single-family homes in the U.S.in 2025 (for counties with populations >100,000 and >10,000 single family homes) according to a report by ATTOM in 2026. The effective tax rate in the county increased from 2.06% in 2024 to 2.12% in 2025. The national average grew from 0.86% to 0.90%. In Macon County, the average single-family home in 2025 was valued at $142,897 and incurred $3,031 in property taxes. Nationwide, the average single-family home is valued at $494,231 and incurred $4,427 in property taxes. Illinois leads the nation in effective property tax rate at 1.84%.

DECATUR PAYS $180,000 FOR WILD BIRD CONTROL

There are multiple ways to reduce property taxes including holding the property tax levy flat and eliminating unnecessary spending. By a 4-2 vote, the Decatur City Council approved spending $180,000 over three years to control birds in downtown Decatur (Councilmembers Cruz and Horn voted no and Councilman Cooper was absent). The cost for controlling wild birds is soaring while justification for the service is limited. The cost of the former 3-year contract was $84,500 for the period October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026. The cost of the new contract is $180,000, an increase of 113%. What was left out of city council discussions was that populations of several flocking bird species that may have impacted downtown decades ago have been declining throughout North America including European Starling (>50% decline between 1966-2019 according to All About Birds), Common Grackle (54%), and Red-winged Blackbird (28%). In other words, city staff recommended bird control of bird species whose populations have declined significantly in recent decades leading one to ask whether the birds the city is attempting to be controlled are even present in numbers that warrant spending $180,000.

DECATUR IS SECOND CHEAPEST CITY IN U.S. TO LIVE

Decatur has been named in 2026 as the second cheapest place in the U.S. to live (for cities with metro areas >50,000 residents) by Kiplinger. Unfortunately, the underlying reason for Decatur’s low home prices could be a substantial decline in housing stock quality as a result of a declining population, a labor force that is declining at an even faster rate, low median household income, a high unemployment rate, a high poverty rate and childhood poverty rate, and a local government whose top priority is community revitalization yet has underfunded improvement initiatives for years. For example, one house on S. Oakland Ave. that burnt down approximately 18 months ago remains today and is scheduled to be auctioned off for a starting bid of $822, delaying its inevitable demolition. Such properties are unsafe eyesores that should have been torn down months ago, and residents should expect better. Residents deserve a city government that is addressing problems quickly instead of one that allows hazardous conditions to persist.

BUS SERVICE CHANGES CAUSE CONCERN

On Monday, October 12 at 5:30 PM in the Madden Auditorium of the Decatur Public Library there will be a community forum on recent changes to Decatur Public Transit. For decades, bus service has offered flag stops which allowed passengers to board and exit at places other than bus stops including intersections and crosswalks. This was very convenient for long-time users of the bus service as individuals could walk shorter distances to and from homes, medical appointments, etc., but the practice may have resulted in lower on-time performance of the buses. Recently, the practice of flag stops came to an abrupt end with almost no warning to passengers, leading the riders of the transit system in limbo. The forum is an opportunity to hear from the community about what can be done including the installation of new bus stops. The community forum is part of the “Council Connections” series which provides an opportunity for discussion of critical issues impacting residents. Two Decatur City Council members alternate hosting the public forums. Everyone is welcome to attend and we hope to see you there.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

If you would like to discuss city issues with a council member, phone numbers and email addresses for each council member can be found at the following link: https://www.decaturil.gov/300/Mayor-Council.

Horn for Decatur - David Horn - Decatur City Council

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