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Select Board votes to pursue regional dispatch contingent on Finance Committee approval
Summary
After a presentation from Central Mass Regional Communication Center and local chiefs, the Select Board voted unanimously to join regional dispatch pending the town Finance Committee's sign-off; board members requested staffing guarantees and protections for Charlton dispatch staff.
The Charlton Select Board voted unanimously on Sept. 9 to advance a proposal to join the Central Mass Regional Communication Center (CMRCC) for regional dispatch services, contingent on approval by the town Finance Committee at its upcoming meeting.
Police and fire chiefs presented a multi-month feasibility study and a formal proposal from CMRCC. Presenters included Chief Dowd, Chief Barton, Peter Kittis (director of special projects at state 9-1-1) and Michael Moriarty, executive director of the Central Mass Regional Communication Center. They described regional dispatch as a tested model that pools personnel and technology to improve coverage, reduce the risk of understaffed shifts and provide shared asset-tracking capabilities.
Board members asked detailed operational questions about staffing, local control, potential assessments and protections for Charlton’s dispatch center and personnel. Select Board members said they supported regionalization in principle but wanted assurances that Charlton’s station would not be left “dark” and that local dispatchers would have priority access to new regional positions. Presenters said assessments in the district use a population formula and that governance includes administrative, operations and finance boards with town representation.
The Select Board’s motion to proceed was made with the condition that the town’s Finance Committee review and approve the fiscal terms; the Select Board asked for prompt follow-up if Finance Committee does not approve so the board can reconvene. The board and presenters emphasized timing: moving quickly gives Charlton dispatchers an earlier chance to apply for regional positions and helps with staffing transitions. The board’s vote was unanimous, and members said they will seek a staffing plan and commitments about station coverage before full implementation.
Ending: The town will ask the Finance Committee to vote on the proposal at its next meeting; if Finance Committee approves, the Select Board will proceed toward joining CMRCC under the agreement terms presented.
