In other Johnson City news, trustees have taken the first step in dissolving their paid fire department and creating a new fire district.
Trustees approved a resolution Tuesday night to start the process of forming a new fire district with the Town of Union. Village lawyers will now begin researching and investigating the possibility.
The village’s current contract with its firefighters runs out in the spring. A committee found earlier this year that the village has three options: to negotiate a new contract, to create a combined paid and volunteer department or ask the town to draw a new fire district.
Village leaders say it will be awhile before they make a final decision.
Johnson City’s current contract with firefighters was drawn up in 2008. It included pay raises of over 40 percent to department members.