Old Town revisits possibility of joining regional dispatching service

OLD TOWN – As is the case in Bangor, Old Town leaders are considering switching their emergency dispatching services to a countywide system.

The idea caused a groundswell of opposition in Old Town when it was suggested two years ago, but some city councilors say the savings would be substantial in a year when the budget is expected to rise about 9 percent.

The idea is still in the preliminary stage. Indeed, this may not be the year Old Town joins with other areas whose emergencies are handled by the Penobscot Regional Communications Center.

But with projected savings of $70,000 to $100,000, and with the city being billed indirectly whether it is part of the regional dispatch system or not, the idea of joining the Bangor-based center is being eyed.

“They’re looking at it seriously,” said City Manager John Lord.

The proposed 2002-03 budget is $19,747,505, with revenues projected at $10,384,114 and a projected property tax requirement of $9,363,391. If passed, the budget would mean an increase from the current level of $22 per $1,000 assessed valuation to $24.05 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Area citizens will have a chance for input on the rejuvenated idea as well as the rest of the budget at the document’s first reading at 7 p.m. Monday, May 13, at Old Town High School.

The proposed contribution for the county budget from Old Town for the 2002-03 fiscal year is $428,639, a 12 percent increase or about $45,000 more than this year. Because other services are wrapped into the general figure requested by the Penobscot County commissioners, it can’t be determined how much of that increase is earmarked for the regional dispatching center. But on top of a budget that is increasing by 9 percent, it all adds up to higher taxes if given final approval.

Old Town Police Chief Don O’Halloran, already faced with the proposed cut of one police officer position, presented the City Council with two options to look into if it pursued the regional dispatching idea.

If the city maintained 1.5 positions in Old Town, mostly for weekday dispatching and paperwork, the city would save about $100,000 by shifting most of its dispatching duties to the regional center. If Old Town maintained 2.5 dispatching positions locally, a local dispatcher would be on duty in Old Town during the busiest times of the week and weekend.

Two years ago, Old Town residents protested the idea to join the Penobscot Regional Communications Center, citing fears of losing the personal touch and local control of the hometown police department, which now is open 24 hours a day.

Faced with the job of paying for a new elementary school and skyrocketing health care costs for employees, the city may have to swallow its hometown pride and centralize its dispatching service. But if Bangor joins, this year might not be the ideal time to do it, said City Council Chairman Mike Wickett.

Cost savings is “why we’re looking at this avenue. It may not happen this year, but soon,” Wickett said.