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Decatur council reviews 2026 budget, approves $25,000 for Decatur Main Street director
Summary
Councilors reviewed the proposed 2026 budget showing a 5.88% increase over 2025 and approved $25,000 from the Façade Fund to help Decatur Main Street hire a full‑time director; staff noted an additional police officer would be hired only if grant funding is secured.
The City of Decatur Common Council reviewed a proposed 2026 budget on Aug. 19 that shows a 5.88% increase over 2025 for city operations. Clerk‑Treasurer Eran Hackman and Mayor Rickord presented the totals: General Fund sections total $7,026,599; Other Funds including MVH‑Street, parks, and pensions total $4,486,071; combined funds with tax rates total $11,512,670; all other funds total $2,824,815; and the total without tax caps is $14,337,484.
Councilors addressed staffing questions, with Councilor Scott Murray asking Police Chief Kevin Gerber whether an additional officer would be added. The council was told any new officer would depend on receiving a grant; there was no recorded commitment to hire absent grant funding.
Separately, Max Miller, President of Decatur Main Street, appeared with Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart and requested $25,000 so Decatur Main Street could include a full‑time director in its 2026 budget as it pursues accreditation as an Indiana Main Street. "Having a full‑time director will allow for various projects to be completed speedier than with all volunteer workers," Miller said. Councilor Tyler Fullenkamp moved to use $25,000 from the Façade Fund in the 2026 budget to fund Decatur Main Street; the motion was seconded by Abby Wilder and adopted.
Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert reported completion of paving tied to the Community Crossings Matching Grant and summarized five‑year totals: $4,761,642.92 in Community Crossings grants to the city and $1,190,410.74 in city matching funds. Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart also announced that applications for the Mayor's Youth Council are available at Bellmont High School.
Councilor Scott Murray moved to approve payment of claims; the motion was adopted. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
