John Summers is a man on a mission, and the Decatur City Council is eager to lend its support, citing previous collaborations.
Summers, an Adams County Council member, is attempting to correct a situation that has long been discussed but not addressed.
The Adams County Courthouse, located in the heart of downtown Decatur, has long been without a flag on the pole atop its magnificent structure. “No one really knows how long,” Summers told the City Council on Tuesday night.
Summers explained how he was able to free the pulley system and make it operational.
The county paid Fuhrman Electric $9,600 for repair work, but another problem arose when a mechanism became stuck.
Smith Erectors can repair the problem for $6,600, so Summers asked the city council if they would be willing to split the cost with the county.
The response was prompt and supportive. The city’s share will be $3,300.
“I know it’s complicated (the long-standing problems with the flag’s system), but I’ve had many people ask me why there is no flag on the courthouse,” Matt Dyer, a councilman, said.
“I’ve had out-of-towners ask me why,” Mayor Dan Rickord quickly explained.
Councilwoman Jenny Bowers-Shultz stated, “The county helped us with the pickleball courts and other projects.”
The mayor mentioned several projects on which the city and county collaborated.
“We need a flag (atop the courthouse), it’s part of our city,” replied Rickord.
