Select Board backs feasibility study to explore regionalized fire and EMS services
Summary
The Select Board voted to support pursuing a feasibility study on regionalizing fire and EMS with Southborough. Chief Purscell said a study (estimated $100,000) would examine cost efficiencies, training, equipment-sharing and governance options; Westborough staff proposed seeking grant or earmark funding to offset town shares.
The Westborough Select Board on Feb. 14 voted to support continued exploration of regionalizing fire and emergency medical services with neighboring communities, beginning with a feasibility study.
Fire Chief Purscell told the board the study should take a high-level look at whether shared services would improve response delivery, create cost efficiencies, enhance training and allow towns to pool specialized equipment. "Regionalization is going to happen," the chief said, arguing that long-term equipment, staffing and procurement pressures make collaboration increasingly necessary.
Staff cited an early estimate of $100,000 for a full study and discussed the possibility of splitting costs with Southborough or identifying state earmarks and grants to reduce the local share; the town manager said she would pursue conversations with the state representative and potential funders.
Board members praised the proposal as proactive, noting the potential to improve safety and to make the communities more competitive for grant funding, but emphasized that a feasibility study does not commit the town to any final governance or operational model. The warrant will include an article seeking study funding if the board chooses to place that article on the town meeting docket.
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