City Council approves Decatur Police Union contract, video gaming changes
Decatur, IL – Highlights from the October 7, 2024 Decatur City Council meeting include approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the Decatur Police Union, and video gaming changes to support local businesses.
Video Gaming changes to support local businesses
On Monday night the Decatur City Council approved several changes to the liquor code related to video gaming in an effort to support local businesses.
Class V is the liquor license that allows for video gaming, and the number of licenses available is currently capped. Council’s action now allows for a Class V license to be issued dependent on a development agreement with the applicant. While Council agreed the desire is to reduce the number of video gaming establishments, they felt that certain businesses that request gaming do provide overall greater value to the city by being in business. Members said the exchange of a gaming license for a business that may provide a unique entertainment option, significant investment, and/or brings jobs to the community was worth it.
Council also approved language allowing the transfer of a liquor license to the new owner if everything about the business is remaining the same, except for the change in ownership, or if the owner is staying the same but moving the location of the business. This includes an additional $250 fee to transfer the license.
Decatur Police CBA
Council also reviewed and agreed to a 4-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Decatur Police Benevolent and Protective Association (PB&PA). The CBA was already approved by the PB&PA and will go into effect January 1, 2025 and last until December 31, 2028. Highlights include a wage increase of 7 percent in 2025, a 3 percent increase each year from 2026-2028, and a starting pay increase. The starting pay increase will assist with recruiting, as will the approved expanded residency requirement of up to 50 miles from the City of Decatur limits.
Municipal natural gas use tax – alternative suppliers
Council discussed and considered a municipal natural gas use tax. This would have applied to customers that choose an alternative natural gas supplier (not Ameren) – approximately 200 users and 450 accounts. However, several members were not ready to move forward with the item and requested it be tabled. They asked for more time to speak with potentially affected natural gas customers.
Other Business
In other business…Halloween Trick-or-Treat hours have been established for the City of Decatur: Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
More information about these topics can be found in the City Council meeting packet, downloadable/viewable here: www.decaturil.gov/389/Agendas-Minutes
