Decatur County Commission to fill three vacancies next week

Decatur County officials have scheduled a regular monthly commission meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Decatur County Courthouse, 22 West Main Street, Decaturville. The meeting will include a 15-minute public input session beginning at 6:00 PM, followed by the commission’s regular business agenda. The commission will consider filling three vacant seats: two positions for District 7 and one for District 8.

Residents of Districts 7 and 8 should note that these appointments will directly affect local representation on the commission. Filling multiple seats at once can shift the balance of votes on county policy, budgeting and committee assignments. Because vacancies will be addressed at a single session, interested candidates and community members are advised to attend to ensure their concerns and interests are heard during the limited public input period.

Anyone who wishes to speak during the public input session must sign in 15 minutes before the meeting is called to order or contact the Decatur County Mayor’s office at 731-852-2131 in advance. The county provides public comment guidelines and links to prior agendas for residents seeking background on commission procedures and past actions. Observers should arrive early to complete sign-in and to allow county staff to process speakers within the allotted 15-minute window.

The Decatur County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Closure of the courthouse affects in-person access to county services, permitting and records offices for that day; residents with time-sensitive county business should plan accordingly.

This meeting presents a key moment for civic participation in Decatur County. Commission appointments determine who will represent neighborhoods in Districts 7 and 8 on issues ranging from road maintenance and local property tax matters to appointments to county boards. The compressed public input timeframe means that those who wish to present their views or to be considered for appointment must follow the sign-in procedures and arrive prepared.

What happens next will shape representation for parts of the county until the next regular election cycle. Residents who cannot attend in person can contact the mayor’s office at 731-852-2131 for guidance on public comment procedures and to ask about additional documentation that commissioners may review before voting. Attending the Jan. 20 meeting or contacting county officials is the most direct way for Decatur County voters to engage with the process and hold local government accountable.