Reductions in state subsidies are one reason for Decatur’s predicament, but long-running pension woes are an even larger source of pain.

The Decatur City Council moved to stop paying $20,000 to sponsor a golf tournament with the village of Forsyth, a sensible move for a shrinking city operating on a budget deficit.

With countywide population dipping, remaining taxpayers in Macon County are being left with an ever-increasing property tax bill.

Despite living in one of the most overtaxed counties in the country, the Des Plaines City Council approved an $11,255 salary increase for its city manager, raising the cost of government even more for taxpayers.

Decatur’s population is shrinking, but earnings for the city manager continue to grow.