Village of Albion Board Votes to Dissolve Village Fire Department, Approves Transfer of Assets to New Joint District
The Albion Village Board unanimously voted to dissolve the Village of Albion Fire Department, effective December 31, 2024, formally transitioning fire protection to the new Albion Joint Fire District. Trustees also authorized hiring an engineering firm to assist with a property inspection on North Main Street.
●Adopted Resolution 2024-27: Unanimous vote (4-0) to dissolve the Village of Albion Fire Department; Mayor Javier absent.
●Asset Transfer: Approved transfer of all fire department monies and apparatus to the Albion Joint Fire District (AJFD) within 10 days of notice.
●Timeline: Dissolution effective December 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
●Engineering Hire: Unanimously authorized Code Enforcement Officer to engage TYLin Group for inspections at 56 N Main St.
The Village of Albion Board of Trustees took the final formal step Monday night to dismantle the village’s standalone fire department, capping a months-long process to consolidate emergency services with the surrounding towns.
During a special meeting on October 14, the board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2024-27, authorizing the dissolution of the Village of Albion Fire Department. The vote was 4 to 0, with Mayor Angel Javier Jr. absent.
The decision effectively transfers all fire protection responsibilities to the newly established Albion Joint Fire District (AJFD) effective December 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
The move follows a special election held on August 6, where voters approved the creation of the joint district to serve the Village of Albion, the Town of Albion, and the Town of Gaines. The district was legally established on August 12.
According to the meeting minutes, Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley presided over the meeting, which opened with the pledge of allegiance at 6:00 p.m. Trustees Greg Bennett, William Gabalski, and Tim McMurray were present. Trustee Bennett made the motion to adopt the resolution, seconded by Trustee McMurray.
The resolution notes that the creation of the AJFD renders the village department "no longer necessary." Under the terms of the dissolution, the village is required to turn over all monies and apparatus—equipment free of village liens—to the Board of Fire Commissioners for the new district within ten days of serving notice.
Monday’s vote implements Section 10-1020 of the Village Law, which allows a village board to abolish a fire department via resolution.
In other business, the board turned its attention to infrastructure issues in the downtown area. Trustees authorized the Code Enforcement Officer to engage the services of the TYLin Group, an engineering firm.
According to the minutes, the firm will assist with the inspection process for a property located at 56 N Main St. The motion to hire the firm was made by Trustee McMurray and seconded by Trustee Bennett.
The meeting moved briefly into executive session at 6:01 p.m. before adjourning at 6:21 p.m.
Share
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2024-10-14,
Village of Albion, NY.
View original document ↗
This article was drafted by AI (claude-sonnet-4-20250514) from the official meeting transcript and reviewed by a human editor.
Quotes link to source video timestamps for verification.
Read our editorial policy.
Community Discussion
0 comments
Be the first to comment on this story.
🔍Ask Albion
Have a question about this story? Search across meeting transcripts, village history, and municipal code.
Related Board of Trustees Meetings
Albion Trustees Advance Plan to Expand Cemetery, Set Vote on Canal Park Gazebo Name
●Cemetery Expansion Hearing Scheduled: Public hearing set for Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. to discuss using cemetery funds to purchase 35 acres of land, not to exceed $250,000.
●Gazebo Naming Vote: Four nominees—Jonathan Doherty, Donna Rodden, Neil Johnson, and Kathleen Ludwick—will be placed on the Village Facebook page for a public vote ending Nov. 13.
●Water/Sewer Credits Denied: The Board voted to deny a request to remove charges for residents' water/sewer bills.
●Billing Policy Adopted: Trustees approved a new policy regarding final bills and newly opened water/sewer accounts.
●Fluoridation Project Payment: Approved $19,362.62 in payments to LaBella for the Fluoridation Building project.
●Canal Park Security: Approved the purchase of a camera for the Erie Canal Park bench and a proclamation for a time capsule to be opened in 2059.
●McKinstry Street Speed Limit: A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13 to consider reducing the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph on McKinstry St.
●Holiday Decorations: Approved the "Bring Back Christmas to Albion" Committee to decorate street lampposts.
Village Eyes Cemetery Expansion, Time Capsule, and Holiday Parade Prep
●McKinstry St Speed Limit Reduced: Approved Local Law 2-2024, setting a 25 mph limit from Route 31 to State St (Unanimous 4-0).
●Cemetery Land Purchase: Approved budget adjustments appropriating $243,749.58 for land acquisition and legal fees (Unanimous 4-0).
●Staffing Changes: Accepted resignation of DPW Automotive Mechanic Jeff Arnett; authorized hiring for Water Treatment Plant Operator and Mechanic positions.
●Cannabis Dispensary: Acknowledged intent to apply for a microbusiness license for Joseph Molisani Jr. at 18 N Main St, then rescinded a previous license for the same applicant.
●Park Naming: Voted to name the gazebo at Erie Canal Park "Donna Rodden Park."
●Comprehensive Plan: Board indicated preference for a stand-alone village plan rather than a joint plan with the Town.
●Unpaid Taxes: Approved forwarding 45 unpaid tax bills totaling over $40,000 to the County for collection.
●Infrastructure: Approved payments of $79,548.10 for WIIA Grant invoices (water infrastructure).
Community Discussion
0 commentsBe the first to comment on this story.