Decatur council appoints Ms. Hahn as city manager; council splits on employment contract

The Decatur City Council on Jan. 27 adopted a resolution appointing Ms. Hahn as city manager by a 6–1 vote, and separately approved an employment agreement for the city manager by a 4–3 vote amid debate over contract language and compensation.

Councilwoman Cruz said she would vote "no" on the appointment, stressing that the city lacks sufficient written policies and hiring processes to reduce affinity bias and protect fair employment opportunities: "Policies which include a scorecard rubric and other procedures to reduce affinity bias must be created for future hiring," she said. Cruz stated her position was not a reflection on Ms. Hahn personally.

Councilman Horn questioned whether section 5.1 of the employment agreement—covering dismissal for cause and obligations of the city manager—could serve as grounds for termination and argued the language was vague. Legal counsel present said they could not ethically negotiate adjustments between the council and the city manager candidate; council members debated whether an amendment was necessary.

Several members expressed confidence in Ms. Hahn’s abilities. One council supporter said Ms. Hahn has been "calm, cool, and collective" and that she could handle the city’s challenges, while another member said concerns about wages led him to oppose the employment contract while supporting her appointment.

The appointment resolution passed 6–1. The employment agreement passed 4–3, with the transcript recording differing votes by named council members during the roll call. Council agreed to proceed with onboarding and to discuss contract language and wage concerns in future meetings as needed.