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Avon councilors give go-ahead to explore regionalizing 911 dispatch with Farmington
Summary
Chief Paul Melanson presented a proposal to regionalize Avon’s dispatch with Farmington to address staffing shortages; the council asked for detailed financials and agreed to continue negotiations and draft a contract with performance metrics.
Chief Paul Melanson summarized a proposal to have the Town of Farmington provide dispatch services for Avon, highlighting repeated staffing shortfalls in Avon’s Communications Center and the operational advantages of a regional dispatch center.
Melanson said Avon typically handles about 6,000–7,000 calls annually while Farmington handles roughly 12,000–13,000, and that Farmington currently staffs 11 dispatchers with typical minimums of two to three per shift. He outlined potential benefits of consolidation — additional staffing, a civilian supervisor for quality assurance, Emergency Medical Dispatch capability, state conversion funding and recurring subsidies — and described a recent interim arrangement where Farmington covered Avon’s overnight (c-shift) calls.
Fire Chief Bruce Appell expressed full support for regionalization, stressing the heavy demands dispatch places on department operations. Some councilors, notably Mrs. Bratton, raised concerns about losing local control and about long-term equipment responsibilities if systems are merged; Chief Melanson and the Town Manager responded that agreements can include performance metrics, a working group of chiefs, and options to return after a term if necessary. Council gave consensus to continue investigating the option and requested a detailed financial and implementation proposal, including performance metrics and equipment transition costs.
