ALBION — A proposal to eliminate fluoride from the village’s drinking water remained unresolved Wednesday night after a nearly hour-long public hearing revealed a deep community divide. During a workshop meeting at Village Hall, the Board of Trustees heard from 18 residents regarding the possible cessation of water fluoridation. The discussion, which lasted from 6:01 PM to 6:47 PM, featured testimony from medical professionals, local residents, and neighbors from surrounding towns. According to the meeting minutes, seven individuals spoke in favor of removing fluoride, while eight individuals—including local dentists, doctors, and the Public Health Director—argued against the removal. Three residents remained neutral, asking questions about the process. Rather than making a decision, the board moved to schedule a second public hearing to continue the discussion. The meeting is set for May 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Village Hall. The move to delay came as Trustee Joyce Riley and Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett arrived late to the meeting, with Bennett appearing just after the public hearing closed at 7:27 PM. **Security and Recreation Upgrades** While the fluoride debate dominated the early session, the board moved forward with several infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements. Trustees unanimously approved the installation of security cameras at Bullard Park. The $4,741.63 contract with Upstate Alarm will be covered personally by Trustee Timothy McMurray, who agreed to use his 2025-2026 board salary to pay the invoice. The board also directed the Department of Public Works to place signage regarding the cameras throughout the park. The village attorney requested signs be placed at both entrances, the main bathroom, and near the remaining camera locations. Additionally, the board requested a portable toilet be placed on the west side of the park, pending weather conditions. In a festive development, the board voted 4-1 to approve plans for a new "Santa House" on Main Street. The structure, proposed by the group ABC, will be built on Village parcel 73.6-3-57.1. Trustee Riley cast the lone nay vote. **Infrastructure and Personnel** Under department head reports, the board addressed water management for mobile home parks. Trustees authorized the use of $3,000 from the water fund balance to purchase two master meters for the OOE and West State mobile home parks. The Police Department will see an immediate addition to its force. Chief David Mogle announced the hiring of Josh Narburgh as a part-time police officer. Narburgh will start at a rate of $31.00 per hour. The chief noted the hiring is intended to alleviate overtime costs and assist with special events. However, discussions regarding two major police acquisitions—a K9 unit and an MRAP vehicle—were tabled until the April 23, 2025 meeting. Levi Boyer was appointed to a non-competitive position under the HELP title at the Water Treatment Plant, effective immediately. The board also addressed delinquent accounts, voting to relevy $7,276.88 in outstanding water and sewer charges and $17,675.00 in property maintenance fees onto the 2025-2026 tax rolls. **Other Business** * **Tower Placement:** The village attorney is tasked with reaching out regarding a ground lease agreement and height concerns for a tower intended for the Water Treatment Plant. * **Pro-Housing:** The Code Enforcement Officer provided an update to the board regarding state housing mandates. * **Donations:** The board accepted donations totaling $1,275 for the July 3rd Celebration reserves from Marsha Gaddis, Sheret Post No. 35, and Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes.