Decatur · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Decatur public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Mahomet Aquifer Sustainable Yield Assessment
The council advanced engineering studies for expanding the South Water Treatment Plant and updating alternate water supplies to support future industrial growth and drought resiliency.
Downtown Bird Control Contract Cost
The city approved a $180,000 contract for downtown bird control, sparking debate over whether the steep price increase is justified given a lack of objective effectiveness data.
Carbon Capture and Sequestration Expansion
The city approved a development agreement with Broadwing Energy for a billion-dollar co-generation power plant and carbon capture facility partnering with ADM and Google. While supporters hailed it as a massive economic win that creates jobs and tax revenue, residents and some council members voiced deep concerns over underground carbon sequestration safety, water usage, and environmental risks.
Storm Recovery
Decatur is stepping in to help clean up the mountain of tree debris left behind by recent storms. Instead of paying out of pocket or doing all the heavy lifting yourself, the city's got your back.
Lake Decatur Debris and Water Levels
Amid ongoing drought conditions and declining lake levels, the city hired a consulting firm to evaluate short-term water supply options and mandatory conservation measures.