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Decatur council unanimously adopts firefighter contract, vehicle purchases and multiple contract extensions
Summary
Council approved an IAFF Local 505 arbitration award, accepted bids for vehicles and multiple contract extensions (weed abatement, vehicle upfits and miscellaneous procurement) during its April 30 meeting; all recorded measures passed 6–0 with follow‑up reporting requested on some items.
At its April 30 meeting the Decatur City Council approved a package of routine but consequential items, including a collective bargaining agreement that reflects an arbitrator’s award for IAFF Local 505, vehicle purchases for public safety and several contract extensions for routine city services.
The council adopted a resolution implementing the arbitrator’s award for IAFF Local 505 (covering 01/01/2025–12/31/2028) after staff reported the demand to bargain began in September 2024 and negotiations moved to interest arbitration. The resolution passed 6–0.
On equipment, the council approved a state‑contract purchase for two 2026 transit cargo vans and associated upfits through Sutton Ford Inc. Staff explained the replacement need stems from vehicle age and corrosion rather than odometer miles; the measure passed unanimously.
Council also approved a group of contract extensions for weed abatement with multiple vendors (F and E Lawn and Janitorial Service, Inherited Services LLC, Jandy Services, Ricky Wilford, Roots Lawn Care, TaylorMade Landscaping and D and S Management Realty Partners). Staff reported roughly $328,000 was spent on mowing contracts in 2025 and the city budgeted approximately $500,000 for 2026 mowing and abatement work; council approved the extensions and asked staff to provide counts of vacant lots and a clearer breakdown of city‑owned versus code‑violation mowing.
Consent calendar items also included a resolution accepting the source well contract with LDV Custom Specialty Vehicles for rear seating upfits for two transit vans, rescinding one previous bid and accepting a state joint purchasing contract for police vehicle upfits, and a professional services agreement with CDM Smith for construction services related to the galvanized water service line replacement project (previously discussed). The council approved an ordinance adding territory to the enterprise zone for 1104 Clement Avenue, Forsyth, and other routine procurement items.
All recorded measures on the consent calendar and subsequent items passed by roll call with six ayes and no nays.
What’s next: Staff will follow up with council on specific budget and program details (counts of properties affected by mowing contracts, updates on the 24‑hour daycare renovation and links to emergency resource pages).
