Last updated: July 31, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how the City of Decatur uses cookies and similar technologies on its official website and online services.

Cookies help websites operate, maintain user sessions, remember certain preferences, measure performance, and support features provided through third-party applications.

This policy should be read with the City’s Website Privacy Policy and Website Terms of Use.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that a website places on a computer, tablet, mobile phone, or other device. They allow a website to recognize a browser or remember limited information about a visit.

Cookies may include:

  • Session cookies: Temporary cookies that generally expire when the browser is closed

  • Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on a device for a set period or until deleted

  • First-party cookies: Cookies placed directly by the City’s website or its website platform

  • Third-party cookies: Cookies placed by an outside service used or embedded by the City

Similar technologies, such as local storage, pixels, tags, and server logs, may perform related functions.

How the City May Use Cookies

The City may use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes.

Essential Website Functions

These cookies support features necessary for the website or an online service to operate.

They may be used to:

  • Maintain secure sessions and account sign-ins

  • Process online forms

  • Support website navigation

  • Protect website security

  • Balance website traffic

  • Remember progress during an online transaction

  • Operate services such as Decatur Direct

Disabling essential cookies may prevent certain website features, forms, accounts, or applications from working correctly.

Performance and Analytics

The City may use analytics tools to understand how visitors use the website.

Information may include:

  • Pages visited

  • Time spent on a page

  • Links selected

  • Browser or device type

  • Referring website

  • General geographic information

  • Website errors or performance issues

The City may use this information to improve content, navigation, accessibility, security, and website performance.

Preferences and Functionality

Cookies may remember certain choices or settings, such as:

  • Account or session status

  • Display preferences

  • Language settings

  • Accessibility preferences

  • Form progress

The availability of these features may vary by page, application, or device.

Embedded and Third-Party Services

Some City webpages may contain services or content provided by outside organizations. These services may place their own cookies or collect technical information according to their privacy policies.

Third-party services may include:

  • Decatur Direct

  • Payment and permit systems

  • Interactive maps

  • Video and livestreaming platforms

  • Social media feeds

  • Email notification services

  • Employment platforms

  • Website analytics tools

  • Online forms and applications

The City does not control the cookies or privacy practices of third-party providers. Users should review each provider’s privacy and cookie policies before submitting personal information or completing a transaction.

Advertising and Commercial Profiling

The City does not use its official website to sell personal information or create commercial advertising profiles.

Third-party websites reached through external links may follow different practices. The City is not responsible for the advertising, tracking, or privacy practices of an external website or service.

Managing Cookies

Most internet browsers allow users to review, block, limit, or delete cookies through the browser’s privacy settings.

The steps vary by browser and device. Users should consult their browser’s help information for instructions.

Blocking or deleting cookies may affect:

  • Account sign-ins

  • Online forms

  • Payment systems

  • Decatur Direct

  • Embedded videos or maps

  • Saved preferences

  • Other interactive website features

Some cookies may be necessary for a requested service to function.

Cookie Preference Tools

If the City provides a cookie notice or preference tool, users may use it to manage optional cookies supported by that tool.

A preference tool may not control cookies placed directly by third-party websites or services. Those cookies must be managed through the applicable provider or browser settings.

Changes to This Policy

The City may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, online services, legal requirements, or City practices.

Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.

Contact the City

Questions about this Cookie Policy may be directed to:

City of Decatur
Email: questions@decatur-al.gov
Phone: 256-341-4500
Mailing address: 402 Lee St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601