Decatur approves several contracts and renewals: comp plan, IT assessment, pedestrian signals, WatchFest MOU and more

On Dec. 15 the Decatur City Commission approved multiple contracts and operational authorizations spanning planning, IT, public safety, parks and events.

Planning services: Assistant City Manager Angela Threadgill recommended awarding the comprehensive-plan update contract to TSW, Inc. for $274,000 and establishing a $300,000 project budget. The five- to 10-month project (state deadline Oct. 2026) will include extensive public engagement, climate and historic-resource subconsultants, and is funded in the FY26 budget.

IT assessment: The commission authorized the city manager to execute an IT services assessment agreement with Sumter Local Government Consulting (partnering with Schemes Consulting) for a not-to-exceed amount of $71,500. The assessment will analyze the city's outsourced managed-services model, infrastructure, cybersecurity posture, and result in a roadmap and RFP guidance.

Pedestrian signals: Deputy City Manager David Younger recommended awarding Sunbelt Traffic LLC the contract to install pedestrian signal equipment (two intersections on West Howard Avenue) for $41,872 and establishing a $48,000 project budget to cover contingencies. The work aims to improve safe crossings for Safe Routes to School and trail users.

South Columbia Drive: Senior Engineer Julie Juritza recommended Change Order No. 3 to AECOM not to exceed $52,500 to extend construction oversight for Phase 3 of the South Columbia Drive multi-use path following a redesign triggered by the discovery of potential grave sites; funding is available from ARPA.

Pools and lifeguards: Parks Director Dr. Remi Epps recommended one-year renewals with United Pool Management for lifeguard management ($712,838) and pool maintenance ($63,600), for a combined $776,438 for FY26; the commission approved the renewals and staff will rebid the services in 2027.

UTV medical response unit: Fire Chief Toni Washington secured commission approval to purchase a customized utility-terrain vehicle medical response unit from Williams Fire Apparatus for $58,500 (sole-source vendor) to improve emergency access during large events and crowds.

WatchFest cost-sharing MOU: The commission approved a memorandum of understanding with the Decatur Downtown Development Authority to cost-share WatchFest 2026 costs. Each entity has appropriated $300,000 in their FY26 budgets; the MOU formalizes joint contracting, accounting and a 60-day post-event reconciliation process.

Ending: Collectively these actions fund planning, safety and operational readiness for 2026; staff said many of the awards are covered in the FY26 budget and will proceed to contract execution and implementation.