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Residents and council weigh in on planned Decatur Pride Festival; council member says he does not support the event
Summary
Fourteen people spoke during public comment about the June 27 Decatur Pride Festival; City Attorney Anne Razo said the private group met application requirements and the city is not sponsoring the event, while Councilmember Matt Dyer told colleagues he does not support the festival and said it may be offensive to some community members.
Fourteen people addressed the City of Decatur Common Council on June 16 during a public comment period about the Decatur Pride Festival scheduled for June 27, 2026 in Madison Street Plaza.
City Attorney Anne Razo explained the event organizer is a private group that completed the city's application process for use of the public plaza and that the city is not sponsoring the festival. Razo told the room that applicants must follow applicable city, state and federal laws and described the procedure for public commenters: sign in, come forward when called, state name and address, and limit remarks to two minutes.
Speakers who signed to comment included Monica Miller (rural Decatur), David Zebulske (Decatur), Molly Cochran (Decatur), Kristine Brite (Decatur), Nikki Ausland (Decatur), Becca Poling (former Decatur resident, now Ohio), Marcie Andrew (Fort Wayne), Sabastian Hathaway (Decatur), Hannah Mendez (Decatur), Christine Smith-Stetler (Decatur), Terri Worth (Decatur), Holly Heyerly (rural Decatur), Craig Heyerly (rural Decatur), and Chris Hakes (rural Decatur). The meeting minutes record a mix of viewpoints both for and against the event but do not transcribe verbatim remarks.
After public comments, Councilmember Scott Murray said he had not received the information others were referencing. Councilmember Matt Dyer said he does not support the Decatur Pride Festival and added the event "may be offensive to various members of the community," while reiterating that the city treats all applicants equally when they file the required application. Councilmember Tyler Fullenkamp subsequently moved to pay the claims.
The minutes do not record any formal action taken to block or permit the festival; Anne Razo's explanation indicated the city's role is limited to permitting and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The council adjourned at 8:05 P.M.
