The Decatur City Common Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2025-1 on final reading, changing the council’s standard procedure from three readings to two for ordinances and declaring that resolutions may be introduced and passed on one reading.

The measure, introduced by the presiding officer identified in the transcript as “K.,” amends Title 3, Chapter 31, Section 31.05(g) of the Decatur Code of Ordinances (2015, as supplemented) to permit ordinances to be introduced and passed on first reading and to allow council to complete second and final readings at the same meeting if the rules are suspended. The council suspended its rules during the meeting to move the ordinance to final reading and adopt it the same night.

“I make a motion to pass Ordinance 2025-1 on its first reading,” the presiding officer said when introducing the measure; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. After a second reading by short title, the presiding officer moved to suspend the rules so council could conduct a third and final reading that evening. The presiding officer then said, “I move to adopt Ordinance 2025-1 on its final reading,” and the roll-call vote recorded affirmative responses from council members present.

Why it matters: The change shortens the procedural timeline for adopting local laws and formalizes that resolutions may be approved on one reading. Under the adopted language, council retains discretion to table items or require additional readings and to require suspension of rules when an item is to receive multiple readings and final action on the same meeting.

Key details and background: The ordinance text, as read into the record, amends the Decatur Code of Ordinances (Title 3, Chapter 31, Section 31.05(g)). The recorded procedure during the meeting followed the newly adopted approach: introduction by short title, a motion and second for first reading, a short second-reading motion by short title, suspension of the rules, and a final-reading motion and roll-call adoption. The transcript shows affirmative roll-call responses for the members named during the readings. The presiding officer noted this was the last time council would be required to pass ordinances on three readings under the prior routine.

Votes at a glance:
- Ordinance 2025-1 (amending procedures for passing ordinances and resolutions; amends Decatur Code of Ordinances, Title 3, Chapter 31, Section 31.05(g)): Adopted (final reading) after suspension of rules. Roll-call recorded affirmative responses from members identified in the transcript (see actions array for names and the meeting record).

Ending: Council members indicated this procedural change will generally preserve the council’s customary review practices while allowing a more expedited path when appropriate. The meeting then moved on to other municipal business.