During a recent city council meeting, community member James Taylor expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the Mason Temple in Decatur, urging officials to take action to preserve the historic building. Taylor, who shared personal memories tied to the structure, implored the council to avoid demolishing it like other local buildings that have been lost.

In response, council members acknowledged the importance of the Mason Temple, noting that while the city does not own the building, a group of volunteers is currently struggling to maintain it due to financial constraints. Councilman Kuehl emphasized the need for community awareness, stating that many historic structures reach a point where they can no longer be repaired, leading to unfortunate demolitions.

The meeting also included the approval of minutes from the previous session and a financial report from the treasurer. The city manager highlighted that the community's fiscal year aligns with the calendar year, indicating that the city is projected to end the year with revenues approximately $2 million to $2.5 million under budget. Notably, public safety salary expenses are expected to be around $1.3 million under budget as well.

The discussions underscored the council's commitment to preserving local history while navigating financial challenges, as they continue to monitor the city's fiscal health.