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Residents urge caution on dispatch consolidation and cuts to public safety
Summary
At public hearings and during council debate residents and several councilors warned that moving dispatch to county control and personnel cuts could reduce emergency responsiveness; some urged keeping certain positions and preserving local coverage.
Multiple residents and councilors raised alarms about proposed cuts tied to moving dispatch to county operations and about reductions in police or fire staffing. During public comment, Josephine Shea said the town’s dispatch “goes up and above and beyond,” and urged the council to reconsider changes that could endanger seniors and people requiring urgent help. Another resident, Dave Nolan, said he would oppose consolidation that reduces local capacity.
Councilors acknowledged these concerns and said they balanced public-safety risks against fiscal constraints. The proposed move of dispatch services to the county (effective 01/01/2027) would affect four full-time and six reserve dispatchers, staff said; the council concluded the budget includes the move while noting risks if county coverage is not equivalent. Staff and council requested follow-up analysis to ensure response times and coverage commitments were clearly documented before further steps are taken.
