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Public hearing opens on Decatur water-rate changes tied to lead-service-line replacement
Summary
Mayor Rickord opened a public hearing on proposed water-rate changes under Ordinance 2026-10, saying the City must comply with a State mandate to replace lead service lines and that mains are 50–100 years old; six residents spoke and a second hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2026.
The City of Decatur opened a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-10, a proposed amendment to water rates intended to fund mandated upgrades including removal of lead service lines.
Mayor Rickord explained the impetus: “the City was mandated by the State to update the system and do away with lead service lines,” and he noted that many water mains are 50 to 100 years old. The hearing drew six speakers who signed up and addressed the council: Dr. Marilyn Nelson (331 Mercer Ave.), Eric Gage (627 N. 7th St.), David Kuhn (416 Fornax), Lori Blossom (Walnut St.), Diane Lykins (Nuttman Ave.) and Alex Riggers (121 N. 10th St.). The transcript lists their appearances but does not include verbatim comments in the minutes.
With no additional speakers, the council closed the hearing and scheduled a second public hearing on the rate amendment for June 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The council made the publication notices for the hearings a matter of record.
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