Tree photo provided by city of Decatur.

Decatur City Commissioners have decided to push back a vote on a controversial ordinance to regulate tree removal and planting in the city.

At the end of the Feb. 3 City Commission meeting, Commissioner Patti Garrett made the motion to postpone a vote on the ordinance, scheduled for the first meeting in March. She proposed instead that commissioners hold a work session to consider input they’ve received from residents. Commissioners unanimously approved her motion.

There’s currently a petition circulating among residents that asks commissioners to take more time with the ordinance. Commissioners were set to vote on the new regulations on Jan. 21, but the ordinance was tabled after hours of criticism from residents during public comments.