[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5984505,"mediaKeyId","5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9","parentId",5775259,"title","Point Mallard Park moves $92,750 from capital to operations for decking and carts","audioSeconds",188,"startMs",3816000,"endMs",4004000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9&start=3816&end=4004","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9/thumbnail_3816000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5984505/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Point-Mallard-Park-moves-92750-from-capital-to-operations-for-decking-and-carts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984505-4a9d734c105048e21025fb35fc01249a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770980073&Signature=IkqsPfSjIlN64gadvOhAQhVRnUpOpbxta~CiuGHKOs0uJ~YESHyrizzKgdX3vz3VviIlDiLIAnch8LNdWkIoJgdsM1l3RCbMGPC4uRBQYVXMR6yggHXeULTxZyEpPlr4ASEvo0MWdDKhCGQitZ6e2Najw2Hxvg6PDgV22r6JpPACp9sR4kzayKlOWz3MLsjwVer~IRbyrbzZClgmorFAGvgoFLCEwmz8nnlznQIyqlaeyNUux5F10h43ZYYMfbJMVpN8aJH2UTlIAromsAC5j~7xnGxE4hhYhyO3JNwnq4EG0WS2lteMG~VvBqforLMmEoI0hbh6wwGjF-sLBJJocA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Decatur City, AL","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Decatur City Council approved a budget amendment reallocating $92,750 from capital expenditures to operating for Point Mallard Aquatic Center.
Stephanie McLean of Point Mallard Park told the council the request is not for new money but a transfer after a project came in under estimate. The largest planned use is a pool‑deck covering that staff tested on a small area this season and said significantly reduced slips and falls.
McLean said the amendment also funds two four‑seat golf carts with flip‑down rear seats to assist staff movement across the park during busy weekends and events.
Council approved the amendment by roll call following staff presentation and questions. The parks director and finance staff will record the budget reclassification and purchase the materials and equipment identified in the amendment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Agenda Work Session & Council Meeting 09:15:2025","oneSentenceSummary","Point Mallard Park requested and the council approved a budget amendment moving $92,750 from capital expenditures into operating to pay for pool‑deck covering that reduced slips and two four‑seat golf carts to improve staff mobility.","taxTitle","Decatur City, Morgan County, Alabama","taxId",5148,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5984511,"Council sets public hearings for abatement of two dilapidated properties on Austin Street SW",142,526000,668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9&start=526&end=668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9/thumbnail_526000.jpg","/articles/5984511/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Council-sets-public-hearings-for-abatement-of-two-dilapidated-properties-on-Austin-Street-SW","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984511-b929dfaa1387683554f7fff755848637/orig.mp4?Expires=1770980073&Signature=BQKSsY52hLDSEf5-1G0PnrggJ4vZGxUK1uBzIbicO6c8mH5PzOcLS7bZ4Cs6EaoJHNIRDcpx5vVygBZPnY5Vra4o7zoB9QOdTsTh4fpFXGdjllpynFbCJ88vJG7QlIDHGYshSwt6dl-Wf9es0nGHCmHPSbuE8g4KlWLAL3Kk7yGoy7Fg1Tw1QTGLUwWOIAC9ZLCNHXjzHeYLD69mFTHXZqcwbCpw43HAcR0rVHa3VKAt~PL~lkzj6OzTkDIWGtd0LThnBidT~yZnJC7-aDA~pIwZu5uQXiBvJ5k3J0yaLm6jf-ZnRNgNyZ7aQi~hhtLNzezm8Ku1rAOyDmaD1ZkS-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decatur City Council set public hearings for Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. to consider abatement of unsafe conditions at 821 Austin Street SW and 813 Austin Street SW.
City code enforcement staff described both properties as open, unsecured and dilapidated, with back walls and roofs failing. Staff told the council both houses are “next door to each other,” under the same owner, and have required multiple city cuts and placement on abatement lists.
A resident asked whether the owner had been in contact with the city; staff said the owner was contacted years ago and remains on the abatement list. Staff characterized the properties as “a public nuisance” and recommended setting public hearings to consider abatement actions.
The council set the hearings by resolution; staff will present abatement options, notices and any required findings at the Oct. 6 hearing.","The council set public hearings for Oct. 6, 2025, to consider abatement of unsafe conditions at 821 and 813 Austin Street SW; staff said both properties are open, unsecured and a public nuisance, and the same owner controls both parcels.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5984516,"Council approves 10‑year $1‑per‑year lease of downtown lot to Merritt House Realty; some council members voice concern",3878,931000,4809000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9&start=931&end=4809","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9/thumbnail_931000.jpg","/articles/5984516/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Council-approves-10year-1peryear-lease-of-downtown-lot-to-Merritt-House-Realty-some-council-members-voice-concern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984516-77470a408d087c5fd06fba474afe277f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770980073&Signature=Sik4BWyXR8tn2U1rFE2lKJ46IuRtQ~5cToeGsbG2~jxC~3fx3LXBMpWKF8HQrouGftfYrTLLWUPxW8veUdqcLNqvjlk3wlVvWeAh2HO1b1aOi-YYpQLUT29vNTkfM4HdwLCUytJUTy0MDOVnAz1JlkyYEKy7n6e8Wq0vXoKVQDL8JCPoKl5g2INHpxJEhuwWzZe9Z9smx8OgWYT7hCP81nFrt9AeLfjDuAYN~vigZhKz0mVbzTsa4iiOo8~yJ2C9N8qalvXnOPdm06I4GfZo-M850O9Lcc75TRJ975UCN0C5XhrIV7kOaRLpZYeIc3Rdfa2Fe4cD6OR8G~8tA2B3Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decatur City Council approved an ordinance leasing a downtown municipal lot to Merritt House Realty on a 10‑year term at the nominal rent of $1 per year, with the lessee responsible for resurfacing, striping and ongoing maintenance.
City staff said Merritt House is expanding nearby and needs parking; the lease requires the company to upgrade and maintain the lot rather than the city performing those improvements. Staff described the lease as a 10‑year arrangement with maintenance obligations placed on the lessee.
Resident Sharonda Ackland questioned the public benefit and criticized the rent and precedent, asking, “Are we seriously in the business of practically giving away public property?” She said the city had earlier paid $225,000 for demolition nearby to improve parking and asked whether leasing the lot for $1 undermines that prior expense.
Council debate noted the lot’s proximity to a building used for real‑estate certification classes and the farmers market and that part of the lot is currently not under lease. One council member said she would not support the lease given the city’s past investments in the area.
The motion to approve the lease carried on a roll call after discussion. Council Member Pepper moved and Council Member Pike seconded the motion. The lease will require Merritt House Realty to resurface, restripe and maintain the lot for the lease term.
Council members asked staff to verify historical restrictions on permanent parking at the lot (staff earlier said the lot was reserved to prevent long‑term parking because of nearby loft apartments) and to confirm the portions subject to this lease.","The council approved a 10‑year lease of a downtown parking lot to Merritt House Realty at $1 per year, requiring the lessee to resurface, restripe and maintain the lot; several residents and one council member objected to the low rent and called for accountability.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5984520,"Decatur council adopts local vapor-product tax, agrees to set implementation date later",3742,872000,4614000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9&start=872&end=4614","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775259-49b2a59be275a1799d3e4a7fa62c04f9/thumbnail_872000.jpg","/articles/5984520/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Decatur-council-adopts-local-vapor-product-tax-agrees-to-set-implementation-date-later","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984520-efb2c7672e9f362e7689bd63070825f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770980073&Signature=cPT4hEzLZjJnoNP0MfvoHFQRCDfwhgoQt7rBwkP32CJI4hCOw0eF54-nqDzS7vBj5xIiTytkfH-qvz1xqpFAlH52o54CS4zfdk-38WI350PEVL7ZcZrowRAgjUyCCT7Ge1IfpLUMIniIZPxHYEUVdvHeJF1BP9PPZRN5UyTmTEB1FbM~G27viB4wD7oLEeZdRoXQG4TrqzGTDEtR4ww0BSAYqBjDDsQ07BW0gvpB-8G3X41hx5Tthb4oEP60FuhgLPZAqZ9WoYBBjBHmBsw8owuQdV9o9r3CjWv3MWMM6oJFkzPKMu9RZLRIHuTwekmkkNs-IZUCjgkG9KgLvqSZUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decatur City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 25-4-613 authorizing licensing and taxation of consumable vapor products and declaring that the city — not the state — will collect the local portion of the new levy.
The ordinance was approved on a council vote after public comment from retailers and distributors who warned of economic harm to local shops if the city begins collecting earlier than the state.
The measure obliges the city to decide whether it will collect the tax locally before the state’s October 1 deadline. Council members said the ordinance must be adopted before that date even if the council later delays actual collection. Council staff said they will prepare a follow-up resolution that would spell out the council’s chosen implementation date.
Retail worker Margaret Carroll, identified herself as an employee at a local vapor product store, told the council the proposed 10¢-per-milliliter tax could add as much as $12 to some products and “that's an additional cost of up to 70% in the retail price.”
Garrett Salser, general counsel and director of governmental affairs for W. L. Petrie, a wholesale distributor, told the council the new state statute (Act 2025-377, subsection 3(b), as cited in public comment) creates a 10¢ per milliliter tax and includes a 25% revenue-sharing provision for local jurisdictions distributed by population. Salser warned that subsection 3(b) also conditions revenue sharing and may prohibit distribution to jurisdictions that levy a local tax on vapor products.
Council members asked city staff and the city attorney to confirm whether adopting the local collection option would forfeit any state revenue-sharing that might otherwise be distributed. City staff and council discussion clarified the legal point that adopting the ordinance is required before October 1 if the city wants to opt to collect locally, but the council may set a later implementation date; staff said they will prepare a resolution to set the implementation date for the council’s next meeting.
The ordinance was introduced and approved by roll call, with Council Member Pepper moving and Council Member Pike seconding the motion. Council members expressed differing views on timing and administrative burden; one member said he lacked enough information to vote, but the ordinance passed in the recorded vote.
Council discussion and public comments focused on timing, administrative burden for small retailers, potential loss of customers to neighboring cities, and the state law’s revenue-sharing structure.
The council directed staff to draft a resolution that will specify when the city will begin collecting the local tax and to provide additional legal and fiscal analysis on whether local collection would affect state revenue-sharing to Decatur.","The Decatur City Council approved an ordinance authorizing licensing and a 10¢-per-milliliter tax on consumable vapor products, and directed staff to return with a resolution specifying when the city will begin collecting the tax.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Point Mallard Park moves $92,750 from capital to operations for decking and carts

Council sets public hearings for abatement of two dilapidated properties on Austin Street SW

Council approves 10‑year $1‑per‑year lease of downtown lot to Merritt House Realty; some council members voice concern

Decatur council adopts local vapor-product tax, agrees to set implementation date later