Fire chief warns of resignations as joint fire‑district and rescue‑building talks stall

Jeremy Barthauer, Quincy’s fire chief, told council members on June 18 that leaks around fire hydrants and delays in forming a Joint Fire (Sewer) District and resolving the proposed Rescue building’s status have unsettled the department and prompted talk of resignations.

"Several members of the department are ready to resign due to the stalling of the formation of the Joint Sewer District," Barthauer said, according to the minutes. He asked whether the village attorney had contacted Mr. Comstock about ownership of the Rescue building; Barthauer said the department had been told the building could be leased and returned to the village when a new building was constructed.

Mayor Daniel Robinson said Mr. Fansler had repeatedly tried to reach Mr. Comstock but had not yet received a response and emphasized that "the Village will always have a fire department as it is mandated by law." Robinson also said council had discussed a lease option with Comstock and believed an agreement could be worked out, but no future meetings on the matter had been scheduled.

There was no vote or formal action recorded to resolve ownership or the Joint Fire/Sewer District formation. Council members did not record a timeline or next procedural steps in the minutes beyond instructing Barthauer that he would attempt contact with Comstock.

What’s next Barthauer said he would attempt to contact Mr. Comstock to move the project forward. The minutes do not record a new meeting date for joint‑district negotiations.