Quincy council suspends village representative to forming joint fire district; firetruck grant received

The Village of Quincy council voted unanimously on Aug. 20 to suspend David Comstock as the village’s representative to the joint fire district, citing a prolonged lack of communication that stalled progress on the district agreement.

John Hickman, president of council, moved to suspend Comstock; Robert (Bob) Ward seconded the motion. The council recorded four ayes and approved the suspension. Council members said the committee wants a representative who will respond to requests and finalize the district agreement so related actions can move forward.

Jeremy Barthauer told the council that grant funding for a new firetruck had been received and that about $50,000 remained on the rescue building bay addition, which the proposed joint district would take over while using the building. Barthauer said the rescue building currently brings in roughly $7,000 a year in real-estate tax revenue. Council members said, once all participating entities agree to release Comstock, Mr. Bey will notify Comstock of the decision.

The Joint Fire District committee is also exploring an operating levy on the spring 2025 ballot to support district operations, officials said. No vote on a levy occurred at the Aug. 20 meeting; discussion and planning remain ongoing.

The suspension is an administrative representation decision by the village council; it does not by itself dissolve the district planning process and council statements made during the meeting emphasized the committee’s intent to continue forming the joint district with a new, more communicative representative.