https://www.hornfordecatur.org/

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

09/06/2026

DECATUR FLOCK CAMERAS TO BE DISCUSSED AT NEXT COUNCIL MEETING

The City of Decatur has over 100 Flock license plate reader cameras throughout the city. Flock cameras help the Decatur Police Department solve crime and have been used in hundreds of cases since they were first installed in 2021. However, in recent weeks some municipalities from across the country have reportedly been cancelling their agreements with Flock due to unlawful use of camera data.

On Tuesday, September 8 at 5:30 PM, the Decatur City Council will have a study session on Flock cameras in the city. I am supportive of Flock cameras. A couple of years ago, I was involved in a hit-and-run accident. The perpetrator would not have been identified if it wasn’t for a Flock camera about a block from the scene. With that said, the city must be vigilant that the data collected from the Flock cameras is only being used for authorized uses as outlined by federal, state, and local laws and policies. I have not been informed of any issues with Flock camera data in Decatur being used illegally, and I want it to stay that way. The recently documented illegal uses of Flock cameras that have taken place throughout the country are unacceptable. Flock has recently announced changes to better prevent cameras from being used illegally, and the city must do what it can to make sure residents are not victims of unlawful camera usage.

What questions do you have about the use of Flock cameras in the city?

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

In addition to the study session on Flock cameras, the city council will likely approve a contract extension with Macon County to provide the Animal Control Program in the city through July 31, 2027 at a cost of $748,472, and approve a professional engineering services agreement with Clark Dietz to continue the lead contaminated galvanized service line replacement project at a cost of $563,100.

If you would like to attend the next council meeting, it will take place on Tuesday, September 8 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.

09/03/2026

COMMUNITY FORUM – 9/14 – DATA CENTER AND FLOCK CAMERA DISCUSSION

A community forum on topics ranging from data centers to Flock cameras will take place on Monday, September 14 at 5:30 PM on the 1st floor Madden Auditorium of the Decatur Public Library. The listening session will provide the public with an opportunity to provide feedback on the report created by the Citizen’s Voluntary Committee on Data Centers that was presented last month.

One concern that has been repeatedly expressed to me is that the voluntary committee lacked expertise in healthcare. For example, the committee’s report implies that the city’s current noise ordinance that allows sound up to 80 dBA measured at the property line to be arbitrary. However, extended, repeated exposure to sounds at 80 dBA can result in hearing damage. Keeping residents protected from noise levels that cause hearing damage is not an arbitrary standard. Residents must be protected from the noise of data centers that will be operating 24-7-365. Whether the state standard, the city standard, or a new city standard is adopted, the residents must be protected from the constant noise of data centers and having medical expertise to aid in adopting a standard will be helpful.

Another area where the report’s findings deserve further scrutiny is in the area of water. Currently, the city does not have enough water to meet demand in a worst-case drought scenario. Thus, if the city needs to expand the South Water Treatment Plant’s (SWTP) ability to process water, there would also be a need to increase the city’s alternative water supply during drought. The costs to alternative water supply projects are substantial with the 2019 estimate to build a pipeline from the former Vulcan pit in Harristown to the SWTP over $32 million. Given that it has previously been estimated that Decatur residents and small businesses could already be subsidizing the city’s supply related water costs by $2.9 million annually, residents are justified in their concerns that new water infrastructure projects will not be paid for by the businesses that need them, but will be paid disproportionately by the residents themselves.

The community forum on September 14 will be an opportunity to express one’s views on data centers and another topic that the public has voiced concern about in recent weeks: Flock cameras. 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.

08/27/2026

DATA CENTERS IN DECATUR: RESIDENTS SHOULD DECIDE

One of the most frequent topics of conversations that I have been having with Decatur residents is whether to allow a hyperscale data center in the city. In my view, whether to permit a data center should be determined by referendum on the April 6, 2027 municipal election ballot. This will put the decision in the hands of the residents. It will also provide advocates and opponents of data centers more than eight months to make their case. Decatur residents should decide the fate of data centers in the city for the impacts of a data center will be felt city wide. There are two pathways for a referendum to be placed on the ballot. Members of the public can submit a petition by January 4, 2027 or the city council can pass a resolution by January 19 as described in Article 28 of the Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5/28).

In the meantime, I will continue to advocate for developing guidelines for data centers in the event there is support for one being built in the city. It is important for the city to take proactive action that addresses the concerns about data centers and establishing guidelines is good governance. Residents should not face higher electricity bills as a result of data centers. Decatur residents living near a data center should not be subjected to their constant noise, and appropriate setbacks need to be in place. There also needs to be a decommissioning plan for a data center. In regards to water, while some data centers are now closed loop systems that need limited amounts of water, some large data centers may require 5 million gallons per day, water that the city currently does not have the ability to provide in times of extreme drought. Thus, whatever the economic benefits data centers might have for Decatur, those benefits are reduced if the city has to upgrade infrastructure to accommodate the development and residents in turn pay higher water bills. Furthermore, whatever property tax reductions the building of a data center will provide, it must be offset by lowering the electricity costs, which are rising substantially in part due to the energy demand of data centers.

There have and will continue to be multiple forums on data centers in the city. On July 29, Soy City Indivisible with the assistance of Citizens Utility Board, Illinois People’s Action, and Prairie Rivers Network hosted a discussion “Let’s Talk Data Centers.” On Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM at the Decatur Civic Center Theatre, a group referred to as Citizens Voluntary Advisory Committee on Data Centers will be giving a presentation that is open to the public. These forums are important ways for residents to learn more about data centers and formulate their opinions as to whether the city should have one.

Residents are right to be concerned that the City of Decatur has and continues to be engaged in private conversations about data centers and that a data center proposal could be forthcoming. As reported on January 13, 2026 by the Decatur Tribune, the “2500 North Commerce Park in Decatur has been selected to participate in the Accelerated Site Assessment Program (ASAP) in cooperation with Ameren, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Decatur EDA …The 138-acre campus is fully approved and earmarked to support up to 274 megawatts and over 800,000 SF of space devoted exclusively for data center development offering a rare, power-ready opportunity for energy-intensive operations seeking scalability and speed to market.”

At least two thirds of the residents I have spoken to are opposed to having a large-scale data center in Decatur. I too share many of their concerns. A referendum is an avenue for the voice of Decatur residents to be heard.

What do you think? Should there be a referendum on whether to allow hyperscale data centers in Decatur?

08/20/2026

MEET DAVID HORN THIS FRIDAY FROM 4 – 6 PM

David will be hosting a meet-and-greet outside of his home at 205 S. Glencoe Ave. on Friday, August 21 from 4 PM– 6 PM and would love it if you could swing by and sign his petition to be on the ballot for the April 6, 2027 municipal election. Ice cream sandwiches will be available, and if you have time, bring a lawn chair and sit down with David as he always welcomes your ideas and input. Joining him will be Councilman Dennis Cooper. For those unfamiliar with Glencoe Ave. look for the 2-story tall inflatable snowman, Lil Frosty, in front of his house.

Thank you to the dozens of individuals that have already signed his petition and offered to assist his campaign to become the next Mayor of Decatur. 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.

08/18/2026

MEET DAVID HORN ON FRIDAY FROM 4 – 6 PM

David will be hosting a meet-and-greet outside of his home at 205 S. Glencoe Ave. on Friday, August 21 from 4 PM– 6 PM and would love it if you could swing by and sign his petition to be on the ballot for the April 6, 2027 municipal election. Ice cream sandwiches will be available, and if you have time, bring a lawn chair and sit down with David as he always welcomes your ideas and input. Joining him will be Councilman Dennis Cooper. For those unfamiliar with Glencoe Ave. look for the 2-story tall inflatable snowman, Lil Frosty, in front of his house.

You can learn more about David’s campaign for Mayor by visiting his website (hornfordecatur.org) or page (www.facebook.com/hornfordecatur). David’s website includes his bio, priorities, policy views, city council updates, and how you can support his campaign. 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.

08/16/2026

MAYOR SHOULD NOT HAVE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS

New Decatur City Council members should be elected by city residents, or if a city council member resigns prior to their term expiring, the vacancy should be filled by election or be approved by the entire council as per state statute. New council members should not simply be appointed by the mayor. At the next city council meeting on Monday, August 17 at 5:30 PM, the city council will be voting on whether to grant the mayor the authority to appoint council members to fill vacant seats in the event that council members cannot reach consensus. I am strongly opposed to the proposed change.

Currently, and as per state statute, when there is a vacancy, the city council has sixty days to approve a person to fill the vacancy for the balance of the unexpired term or until the vacancy is filled by election. During my time on the council, council members have on multiple occasions worked together to fill vacant spots. Thus, there is no problem that the resolution is solving. Under the proposed change, there would be no need for the mayor and two other council members to compromise on who they want as a new city council member. The mayor simply waits 60 days, claims that the council could not gain the necessary votes for any candidate, and then appoint who they want to serve.

Residents deserve a voice on who their city council members are. They expect city council members to meet their responsibilities. This resolution potentially allows one person to dictate the composition of the elected body, thereby weakening the voice of residents.

DATA CENTER PRESENTATION

On Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM at the Decatur Civic Center Theatre, a group referred to as Citizens Voluntary Advisory Committee on Data Centers will be giving a presentation. According to documentation received, “CVAC has worked diligently gathering information and hosting presentations from an array on interests to inform advice on the issue. … The validity of its advice is borne from the members of CVAC, the depth of review and content of advice …” The presentation is open to the public.

Residents are right to be concerned that the City of Decatur has and continues to be engaged in private conversations about data centers and that a data center proposal could be forthcoming. Recently, I submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for all email correspondence between staff of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon Co. (EDC) and the current and former city manager, current Director of the Economic and Community Development Department, and current mayor. The city rejected the request indicating that “preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, memoranda, and other records in which opinions are expressed, or policies or actions are formulated …” are exempt. Given that correspondence between the EDC President and the members of the Macon County Environmental, Education, Health & Welfare Committee has already been disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that the EDC has been corresponding with city representatives. It could also be concluded that the City of Decatur is hiding its correspondence with the EDC, an organization that the city provides funding to.

FLOCK CAMERAS

The City of Decatur has dozens of Flock license plate reader cameras throughout the city. The city council also approved an agreement for additional cameras to be installed at certain intersections. Recently, numerous municipalities have reportedly been cancelling their agreements with Flock due to unlawful use of camera data.

It would be appropriate for the Decatur City Council to host a study session on Flock cameras in the city. Some of the questions that residents may want to know include: How many cameras are there? How much does it cost the city annually? How many crimes and what types of crimes have been solved using the cameras? Would these crimes have been solved if cameras were not installed? Has criminal activity decreased in locations where the cameras are located? What safeguards are in place to ensure camera data is not being used for illegal purposes?

At the end of this post, are questions I have asked city staff in recent weeks about Flock cameras and the responses I have received from the city. Please let me know what other questions that you have about the cameras.

I am supportive of Flock cameras. A couple of years ago, I was involved in a hit-and-run accident. The perpetrator would not have been identified if it wasn’t for a Flock camera about a block from the scene. Flock cameras help the Decatur Police Department solve crimes. With that said, the city must be vigilant that the data from Flock is only being used for authorized uses as outlined by federal, state, and local laws and policies. I have not been informed of any issues with Flock camera data in Decatur being used illegally, and I want it to stay that way. However, the recently documented illegal uses of Flock cameras that have taken place throughout the country are unacceptable. Flock has recently announced changes to better prevent cameras from being used illegally, and the city must do what it can to make sure residents are not victims of unlawful camera usage. A study session to inform the public is a good first step.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

The next meeting of the Decatur City Council will take place on Monday, August 17 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.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT FLOCK CAMERAS

1) Can agencies outside of DPD gain access to ALPR data collected by DPD Flock LPRs?

Yes, but access is not automatic. Flock Safety allows an agency that owns the camera data to voluntarily share that data with other law enforcement agencies. Sharing can be established on a one-to-one basis or through opting into the statewide or nationwide lookup tool. The agency controlling the cameras determines whether to participate in data sharing and can limit or revoke that sharing.

2) Does access by another agency require DPD permission?

Yes. Decatur Police controls whether data collected by DPD-leased Flock Safety LPR cameras is shared with another agency. An outside agency cannot simply access DPD’s camera data because it is a Flock customer or because it has access to the Flock platform. DPD must establish/authorize the applicable sharing relationship.

There are also safeguards once access is granted. Flock Safety requires individual user accounts, role-based permissions, and a search reason for searches. Searches are logged with the individual user’s identity and a timestamp, creating an audit trail that can be reviewed by authorized supervisors.

3) What safeguards are in place to ensure data is only accessed by someone with a legitimate law enforcement purpose?

There are several safeguards with Flock Safety:
• DPD controls data sharing and can determine whether and with whom its data is shared.
• Individual user accounts are required; shared or anonymous accounts are not permitted.
• Role-based permissions limit who can access the system.
• A search reason is required when conducting an ALPR search.
• Every search is logged, including the user and time of the search.
• Search activity can be audited and reviewed by authorized agency personnel.
• Flock provides agencies with audit/reporting tools to identify and review system use.
• Flock states that searches must be connected to a legitimate investigative/public-safety purpose and comply with applicable law and agency policy.

08/15/2026

RAIN OR SHINE - MEET DAVID HORN FROM 11 AM – 2 PM TODAY

David will be hosting a meet-and-greet outside of his home at 205 S. Glencoe Ave. on Saturday, August 15 from 11 AM – 2 PM and would love it if you could swing by and sign his petition to be on the ballot for the April 6, 2027 municipal election. Ice cream sandwiches will be available on this hot, summer day, and for those unfamiliar with Glencoe Ave. look for the 2-story tall inflatable snowman, Lil Frosty. If you have time, bring a lawn chair and sit down with David as he always welcomes your ideas and input.

You can learn more about David’s campaign for Mayor by visiting his website (hornfordecatur.org) or page (www.facebook.com/hornfordecatur). David’s website includes his bio, priorities, policy views, city council updates, and how you can support his campaign. 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.

08/11/2026

SUPPORT DAVID HORN FOR MAYOR OF DECATUR

To become the next Mayor, David Horn must first be on the ballot for the April 6, 2027 municipal election. This requires having 45 registered voters who live within the corporate limits of Decatur to sign a petition. David will be hosting a meet-and-greet outside of his home at 205 S. Glencoe Ave. on Saturday, August 15 from 11 AM – 2 PM and would love it if you could swing by and sign his petition. Ice cream sandwiches will be available on what will likely be a hot, summer day, and for those unfamiliar with Glencoe Ave. look for the 2-story tall inflatable snowman, Lil Frosty. If you have time, bring a lawn chair and sit down with David as he always welcomes your ideas and input.

You can learn more about David’s campaign for Mayor by visiting his website (hornfordecatur.org) or page (www.facebook.com/hornfordecatur). David’s website includes his bio, priorities, policy views, city council updates, and how you can support his campaign. 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.

08/03/2026

WATER RATES, NEW BOAT RAMP, AND DATA CENTERS IN DECATUR

On Monday, August 3 at 5:30 PM, the Decatur City Council will be meeting to discuss the results of a recent water rate study and will likely approve a new boat ramp at Nelson Park. In addition, a discussion of the City’s decision to conceal correspondence on data centers from the public may take place.

WATER RATES SHOULD BE PROPORTIONAL TO USE

The City of Decatur has received the results of a water rate study performed by Raftelis Financial Consultants. The last water rate study was done in 1997 with the water rate structure last changed in 1998. Much has changed since the last rate study including the dredging of Lake Decatur.

Decatur should change its rate structure to a model that focuses more on supply costs as the current rate structure does not equitably recover these costs and the focus of future capital expenses is on increasing supply and its processing. Specifically, the current model requires residents and small businesses to pay disproportionately more for water at a time where the largest user requested additional water supply in recent years and is paying disproportionately less. Furthermore, the city is currently considering major capital projects including expansion of treatment capacity of the South Water Treatment Plant and additional water supply including a pipeline from the former Vulcan mine in Harristown. The largest discrepancy is with ADM Co. who uses 46% of Lake Decatur raw water.

If 46% of Lake Decatur water consumption is ADM raw water consumption and the city’s supply related cost is $12.3 million, ADM should be paying $5.7 million per year instead of $2.8 million that it currently pays. In other words, Decatur residents and small businesses could be subsidizing the city’s supply related water costs by $2.9 million annually. Moreover, with the city’s recent development agreement with Broadwing, and Fuyao’s expansion announcement, there will be greater water supply demands from large users. The ability for the city council to address the issue is based on raw water supply agreements with Archer Daniels Midland Company in 2014 and 2022.

NEW BOAT RAMP AT NELSON PARK

The condition of the Nelson Park Boat Ramp has deteriorated, and thus, there is a need for its replacement. The City of Decatur is the entity responsible for fixing it and the ramp will be replaced with longer, wider launching lanes. The cost to build new boat ramps ($794,511.38) is significantly less than the estimated cost for this project, and thus, the city should replace the new boat ramps. It comes at a time when the number of boats licensed to use Lake Decatur has at best remained flat despite the significant public and private investments in the lake including dredging of Lake Decatur, new recreational activities such as the Devon Amphitheater and the return of boat races, and new docks and a marina. In 2018, the city licensed 1,921 boats, in 2022, the city licensed 2,122 boats, and in 2025 there were 2,093 boats licensed.

DATA CENTER CORRESPONDENCE HIDDEN BY CITY

Residents are right to be concerned that the City of Decatur has and continues to be engaged in private conversations about data centers and that a data center proposal could be forthcoming. Recently, I submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for all email correspondence between staff of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon Co. (EDC) and the current and former city manager, current Director of the Economic and Community Development Department, and current mayor. The city rejected the request indicating that “preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, memoranda, and other records in which opinions are expressed, or policies or actions are formulated …” are exempt. Given that the City provides funding to the EDC, and that the city council periodically uses information provided by the EDC to make policy decisions, residents are justified in their concerns that policy is being shaped by city staff without the knowledge of city council members or the public. The lack of transparency by the City is concerning, particularly given that the EDC receives funding, and unlike the EDC, when a resident emails the council, their correspondence is subject to a FOIA request.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

The next meeting of the Decatur City Council will take place on Monday, August 3 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.

07/19/2026

NEW BUS SERVICE, TAX ON SHORT-TERM RENTALS, DEER PROBLEMS, RISING FIRES, AND COMMUNITY GRANTS

Decatur will soon have twice a day, six day a week bus service to Chicago and St. Louis through FlixBus. The stop times will be at 12:45 PM and 7:55 PM with the buses picking up travelers at the city’s transportation center at 353 E. William St. From Chicago and St. Louis, Decatur residents will be able to use FlixBus to travel throughout the country. An intercity bus service is much needed, and Decatur residents now have an additional option for long-distance travel to meet their needs.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS REQUIRED TO COLLECT HOTEL/MOTEL TAXES

Three years after the city council voted to require properties that have short-term rentals such as Airbnb or Vrbo to be licensed and collect hotel/motel taxes, the city council will be voting on a mechanism to actually collect the tax. On April 17, 2023, the council voted that all short-term rental properties in Decatur need to pay an annual fee of $25 for a license and to collect the same tax (i.e., 8%) that traditional hotels are required to collect. What the City did not do in 2023 is ensure that short-term rentals were actually licensed and paying the taxes.

At its next meeting, the city council will likely approve a requirement that the online hosting sites (e.g., Airbnb or Vrbo) be required to remit the hotel use tax to the city. The three-year delay between changes to local law and its implementation, has likely resulted in a loss of hundreds of dollars. Given that Macon County, IL had the 8th highest effective property tax rate in the U.S. in 2024 at 2.06% (the national average is 0.86%) according to ATTOM, the three-year delay demonstrates a lack of urgency in finding ways to reduce taxes and fees paid by city residents (this is another reason residents are right to be concerned about being surrounded by cannabis dispensaries while prohibiting them in the city. The city has likely lost millions in revenue to adjacent municipalities).

DOES DECATUR HAVE A PROBLEM WITH TOO MANY DEER?

Recently, residents on the east side of Decatur have expressed concerns about the number of deer in that part of the city. In previous years, residents in other parts of the city have voiced concerns. Herds of a dozen or more deer could increase the risk of collision with vehicles in addition to the loss of plants in one’s garden. In order to address this urban wildlife conflict, it would be valuable to hear from residents as to whether you are experiencing challenges with deer, and what challenges you are experiencing. Please leave a comment on this Facebook post or send a message as to what type of problems you are experiencing and what part of the city you live in. This will be useful in better understanding the scope of challenge residents are facing.

CITY TO PROVIDE $70,000 IN COMMUNITY GRANTS

Many not-for-profit organizations in the city are facing increased demand for services and rising costs to provide them. Simultaneously, income to provide the services is not keeping pace with demand and costs. This has resulted in multiple entities making appeals to the community for support, and some entities closing their doors temporarily or permanently. On January 5, 2026, the city council first discussed implementation of a community grant program. On July 20, grants will likely be awarded to the following entities: Decatur YMCA $5,000, God’s Place of Deliverance Church $6,500, Boys and Girls Club $8,500, Children’s Museum $10,000, Decatur Area Arts Council $10,000, Good Samaritan Inn $10,000, MRI $10,000, and United Way $10,000.

Given the need is far greater than the amount of funds available and given that the services organizations are providing cannot be provided by other entities, the city should consider providing more grant funding in the future and create a more streamlined process so that the time period between when proposals are accepted and when grants are awarded is lessened. For example, if an organization requested funds for a summer youth program receiving funds when summer is nearly over is not going to be beneficial.

THE NUMBER OF FIRES IN DECATUR CONTINUES TO RISE

The number of fires in Decatur has increased 36% between January-June 2026 when there were 233 fires compared to January-June 2025 when there were 171 fires. At this rate, the city will have 466 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. In other words, six months into 2026, Decatur had approximately the same number of fires as all of 2021, 2022, or 2023. Decatur historically has more fires than other central Illinois cities and it is concerning to see the number of fires rising so quickly. At this point, no action steps have been brought forward to the city council to address this alarming increase in the number of fires in the city.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

The next meeting of the Decatur City Council will take place on Monday, July 20 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.

Horn for Decatur - David Horn - Decatur City Council

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