A second public hearing on the proposed formation of the Odessa Area Consolidated Fire District scheduled for this week will not take place. Tonight’s meeting at the Odessa-Montour school auditorium has been canceled. Odessa Fire Chief Adam Mahnke said the proposed formation has been unsuccessful.
A similar meeting was held one month ago and included stakeholders from the proposed consolidated district, the village of Odessa, and portions of the towns of Catharine, Cayuta, Hector, Montour, and Veteran. Following a presentation at that meeting, the Cayuta Town Board withdrew its interest in joining the Fire District and other municipalities requested more information. Now the towns will have to continue to contract with the Odessa Hose and Chemical Company for fire protection.
At last month’s public hearing, Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer emphasized the critical need for the creation of a fire district, stating that the village’s future hinges on it.
The proposed district would have removed the Odessa Fire Department from village control and financial obligations, addressing unsustainable operational costs.
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