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Gadsden board approves $750,000 payment to City of Quincy after tense interlocal debate
Summary
After a contentious exchange about long‑standing mutual‑aid arrangements and volunteer department equity, the board approved a revised interlocal agreement increasing the county’s annual payment to the City of Quincy to $750,000 and asked staff to work toward a signed contract and continued coordination with volunteer departments.
The board approved a proposed interlocal fire-service agreement with the City of Quincy that raises the annual county payment to $750,000. Roger Milton, Quincy’s city manager, and the county manager explained that the city budgeted for that figure based on prior conversations with county staff and that the city has been operating under the expectation of receiving that level of support.
The county attorney explained the contract‑law implications of offers and counteroffers: the county previously transmitted a contract at a lower amount, the city returned a counteroffer for $750,000 and the board now has the discretion to accept, reject or modify that new offer. Commissioners expressed concerns about equity — several volunteer departments outside Quincy told commissioners they receive less funding while handling comparable call volumes — and the board discussed options including taking ownership of underused facilities and holding a workshop to evaluate countywide fire coverage and budget impacts.
The board voted to approve the interlocal agreement as presented, with several commissioners urging a parallel workshop involving all volunteer departments, dispatch and city and county staff to align services and budgets heading into the next fiscal year.
