Amherst officials will finalize a memorandum of understanding with Hadley, Pelham and Belchertown officials.
John P. MusanteAMHERST - Despite South Hadley’s decision not to join a regional emergency dispatch center now, officials here will proceed with the three other partner communities who have agreed to participate.
Town Manager John P. Musante said he’s disappointed that South Hadley won’t be participating now but said he respects their decision.
Robert Judge, chairman of the South Hadley Selectboard, said that joining the regional dispatch center would not save the town money now. The town is unusual in that it has two separate fire districts that are not part of the town government.
He said at the same time, joining the region could make sense in the future so they’re not ruling out joining later.
Musante said the town plans to “design and build the dispatch center so it’s expandable and flexible” so that other communities can join later on.
In the meantime, though, officials will finalize a memorandum of understanding with Pelham, Hadley and Belchertown and obtain state funding for pre-development work as well as site selection. The town would likely save $250,000 to $300,000 or so annually even with the limited partnership. Savings would increase with more communities participating.
The state has awarded the project a $735,000 grant to pay for pre-construction and design costs in addition to the feasibility study paid for with a $125,000 state grant.
The state, which is encouraging regionalization, would also contribute to operating costs. State officials have said that regional centers provide better public safety and quicker emergency response times.
Amherst began looking at regionalizing with Hadley and UMass in the spring of 2008. UMass has since said it does not make sense to join.
Musante said the establishment of the center is at least two years away from being in operation.