ALBION — The Village Board has initiated a process that could fundamentally change how fire protection is provided in Albion, moving to dissolve the current fire department in favor of a joint fire district. During Wednesday’s workshop meeting, the board scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. to discuss abolishing the Albion Fire Department and creating the Albion Joint Fire District. Mayor Angel Javier also requested the village attorney review a consolidation report from 2008 or 2009 by the Center for Governmental Research to provide context. The move comes alongside a decision to offer a "triple net lease" for the property at 108 S. Platt St. to the new Joint Fire District. The lease terms, approved unanimously by the board, span two years with an option to extend up to 10 years. The district would be responsible for specific maintenance shares: 50% of roof repairs, 33% of generator repairs, and 50% of chimney repairs. The district must also carry renter and liability insurance, naming the Village of Albion as an insured party. **Cemetery Operations** With autumn approaching, the board moved to ensure the village cemeteries are prepared for the leaf season. Trustees voted unanimously to allow Cemetery Superintendent Jason Zicari to hire three seasonal employees for three weeks at a rate of $17.00 per hour. The funding for these hires will come from cemetery reserves if necessary. Earlier in the meeting, the board heard from residents Francis Pierce and Wende London regarding a specific headstone at Mt. Albion Cemetery. Following the public comments, the board also approved a cemetery deed for Lot 1019 on the Marigold Path for Maryanne Lettis. **Public Safety and Infrastructure** The Police Department received approval to modernize communication capabilities. The board authorized Chief David Mogle to purchase two cell phones for officer use during shifts at a cost of $36 per month per line. The Village Clerk and Chief will review the budget to determine which line item will cover the expense. In other public safety news, the board unanimously approved a policy allowing a teacher and student to ride on fire apparatus, a move often used for educational purposes and community engagement. The board also addressed a financial dispute regarding crossing guards. Trustee William Gabalski moved to have the village attorney contact the Albion Central School attorney to request the school district cover 100% of the costs for crossing guards. The motion passed 3-2, with Trustee Greg Bennett and Trustee Timothy McMurray voting against it. The discussion regarding school zone safety was tabled until the Oct. 9 meeting. **Economic Development and Finances** In an effort to boost downtown occupancy, the board approved lowering the rent for the property at 121 N. Main St. The rate was reduced from $2.50 per square foot to between $1.69 and $1.70 per square foot, rounded to the nearest $5 increment. The village’s financial health was reviewed with the acceptance of the August treasurer’s report and the 2023 Audit Report. Residents will have a chance to ask questions about the audit directly when auditors attend the Nov. 13 board meeting. Several budget adjustments were made to accommodate grant revenues and expenses. Notably, the board approved an increase in revenue for the Water Intake Improvement Act (WIIA 2) projects, matching expenses for engineering and construction work done by Wendel and STC Construction. **Administrative Notes** The village continues to seek a Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator. The board accepted applications from nine candidates, including Aaron Batt, Challis Mathes, Jason Millis, Christian Dean, Jerry Brugger, Rohit Kumar Labana, Ioannis Serevetas, Donald T. French, Lawrence Warren, and Max Coles-Busse. The board also moved to approve a unit transfer request for Diane Rouse, a tenant at the cemetery apartment. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.