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MACON, MO. -- Updated:  May 10  3 p.m.

Public hearing schedule announced.

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A community is coming together under one slogan. "Just Macon Common Sense"

The word spread like wildfire. It was time to rally and rally they did.

Over 100 people packed the Macon County Expo Center on Monday afternoon to discuss the decision MoDOT made last week of closing down the Macon District Office.

"I am very concerned about the loss of jobs that is being forecasted for District 2, so I came out to show my support," said local Macon resident Tracy Vincent.

MoDOT plans to make drastic changes in a new 5 year plan which will cut 1200 employees, sell 740 pieces of equipment and close 135 facilities. One of those 135 will include the Macon District Office, but the citizens don't quite agree.

"When you see the maps and you see the locations, it makes sense for the office to remain centrally located. It makes it easier for people to get to and from and it supports a rural community," Vincent said.

"The economic impact is a big thing, but also the regional inconvenience and lack of common sense in this location is another factor that needs to be presented to the commission," said Macon City Administrator Allen Muncy.

The Missouri Transportation Committee can expect an earful from Macon and surrounding counties. In 24 days time, a local committee formed at Monday afternoon's meeting will try to rally citizens around the area and unite under one banner.

"We're going to try to get a committee together to develop a plan and present to the commission to explain to them why it just doesn't make common sense," Muncy said.

"It's more difficult to make the good decision for the people when you don't have all the elements of the plan laid out and you haven't thought them through," Vincent said.

MoDOT District Engineer Dan Niec said he wants to hear more from the public in the next few weeks and their voices will be heard.

"We understand what the public concerns are. It might not change the decision, but the next phase will be shaped by the public," Niec said.

The clock will continue to tick, but the hope of a city will rely on the heart of a community.

The new District 2 office will be located in Hannibal,Mo.

There will be another meeting scheduled in Macon on May 19 from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. The location of that meeting is still to be determined. The Missouri Transportation Committee will make their final decision on June 8 in Jefferson City.