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Decatur approves several contracts and renewals: comp plan, IT assessment, pedestrian signals, WatchFest MOU and more
Summary
The commission authorized a suite of contracts and renewals on Dec. 15: a $274,000 TSW contract for the comprehensive plan update, a $71,500 IT services assessment, a $41,872 award for pedestrian signals on West Howard Ave., a $52,500 change order for South Columbia Drive oversight, $776,438 in pool/lifeguard contract renewals, a $58,500 UTV medical response purchase, and an MOU with the DDA to cost-share WatchFest 2026.
On Dec. 15 the Decatur City Commission approved multiple contracts and operational authorizations spanning planning, IT, public safety, parks and events.
Planning services: Assistant City Manager Angela Threadgill recommended awarding the comprehensive-plan update contract to TSW, Inc. for $274,000 and establishing a $300,000 project budget. The five- to 10-month project (state deadline Oct. 2026) will include extensive public engagement, climate and historic-resource subconsultants, and is funded in the FY26 budget.
IT assessment: The commission authorized the city manager to execute an IT services assessment agreement with Sumter Local Government Consulting (partnering with Schemes Consulting) for a not-to-exceed amount of $71,500. The assessment will analyze the city's outsourced managed-services model, infrastructure, cybersecurity posture, and result in a roadmap and RFP guidance.
Pedestrian signals: Deputy City Manager David Younger recommended awarding Sunbelt Traffic LLC the contract to install pedestrian signal equipment (two intersections on West Howard Avenue) for $41,872 and establishing a $48,000 project budget to cover contingencies. The work aims to improve safe crossings for Safe Routes to School and trail users.
South Columbia Drive: Senior Engineer Julie Juritza recommended Change Order No. 3 to AECOM not to exceed $52,500 to extend construction oversight for Phase 3 of the South Columbia Drive multi-use path following a redesign triggered by the discovery of potential grave sites; funding is available from ARPA.
Pools and lifeguards: Parks Director Dr. Remi Epps recommended one-year renewals with United Pool Management for lifeguard management ($712,838) and pool maintenance ($63,600), for a combined $776,438 for FY26; the commission approved the renewals and staff will rebid the services in 2027.
UTV medical response unit: Fire Chief Toni Washington secured commission approval to purchase a customized utility-terrain vehicle medical response unit from Williams Fire Apparatus for $58,500 (sole-source vendor) to improve emergency access during large events and crowds.
WatchFest cost-sharing MOU: The commission approved a memorandum of understanding with the Decatur Downtown Development Authority to cost-share WatchFest 2026 costs. Each entity has appropriated $300,000 in their FY26 budgets; the MOU formalizes joint contracting, accounting and a 60-day post-event reconciliation process.
Ending: Collectively these actions fund planning, safety and operational readiness for 2026; staff said many of the awards are covered in the FY26 budget and will proceed to contract execution and implementation.
