One of the six municipalities included in the proposed Odessa Area Consolidated Fire District is no longer interested in moving forward with the plan.
Before Wednesday night’s public hearing at the Odessa-Montour High School, the proposed district included the entire village of Odessa and portions of the towns of Catharine, Cayuta, Hector, Montour, and Veteran. After Wednesday’s presentation and hearing, the Cayuta Town Board said it was no longer interested. The remaining municipalities have scheduled a second public hearing in one month after requesting more information on the consolidated district.
Proponents say forming a consolidated fire district will allow residents to pay the same tax rate in place of the current setup of paying differing tax rates based on combined assessed valuation. They also say the fire district would provide a consistent and stable budget and will allow the department to implement long-range planning and purchases. Those against the district say if it goes through there will be a potential loss of membership due to consolidation or elimination of a fire station and differences in union contracts, wages, retirement systems, or benefits.
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