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Galesburg council sets fire department rent at $1,900, flags mediation costs with Charleston Township
Summary
After discussing building-maintenance costs and the prospect of mediation with Charleston Township, the Galesburg council voted unanimously to set the fire-department rent at $1,900 and discussed showing cost breakdowns to Charleston to justify the increase.
The City of Galesburg council voted unanimously on May 5 to set the rent for the shared fire department facility at $1,900. The vote followed an extended discussion about cost allocation with Charleston Township and a city attorney’s advice that the city may charge for future building-maintenance costs and recover revenue for those expenses.
Mayor Linda Marble said that Attorney Koches advised the city could charge for future building costs and noted that, if the two municipalities cannot reach agreement, mediation would likely be required at an estimated cost of $3,500–$5,000. Councilmember Roger Frazee offered to donate his council pay plus an additional $400 “to equal $1,000 for the year,” and Fire Chief Roomsburg said sharing a detailed cost breakdown with Charleston Township may persuade them to accept the rent increase. Chief Roomsburg also reported the department received a $525,000 quote for a new fire truck and confirmed recent structure fires were accidental with no injuries.
Councilmember Carol Wortinger made the motion to set the rent at $1,900; the motion passed on a roll call vote with all members voting "Aye." The council did not finalize any additional intergovernmental terms and discussed pursuing cost-recovery documentation and, if necessary, mediation.
