MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — The Marshalltown City Council voted Monday night 4 to 3 to not move the location of Oktemberfest, the annual fall festival.

The vote came after the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the Marshall County Health Department recommended to the city that the location of the festival be moved on Monday.

“It was a little too weak of a recommendation, a little too late,” said Mayor Joel Greer (D) of Marshalltown. “I’m pretty sure the four that voted to keep it where it was, were comfortable that that’s the right thing to do. And we should be encouraging people to come to town and enjoy it.”

Multiple different locations were considered on the city’s southside, as the cooling towers that had to have the water shocked and cleaned are on the city’s northside. That is where Oktemberfest activities and events are.

“Our top priority has always been the well-being of our community. We have worked closely with partners, volunteers, and officials to make sure everything is safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all who attend,” said The Oktemberfest Volunteer Committee in a statement on Facebook.

The death toll rose to two on Monday as the city council was voting on the matter. The cases that are being confirmed per day have been steadily decreasing.

“As for people that don’t want to come, if you are susceptible, if you have the wrong markers of age and upper respiratory issues, please don’t come. We don’t want to lose anybody else,” said Greer. “But if you’re healthy and you don’t smoke, and especially if you have kids and want them to enjoy a parade, this is a wonderful event we have.”

The event goes from Thursday through Sunday with different events taking place each day.

There are still 71 cases of the disease that have been detected in Marshall County. Anyone who experiences a headache, fever up to 105, chills, non-productive cough, stomach pain or diarrhea is encouraged to contact your primary health provider if you have spent time in Marshall County. For more information visit the Iowa HHS website.