The Lisbon Reporter

WELCOME TO THE LISBON REPORTER. In an effort to keep our community informed of what is going on at local and Federal levels of government, we decided to create this on-line newspaper. It is our hope that this on-line newspaper will help you stay informed so that you can get involved and take action for the benefit of our ENTIRE community. Thank you for visiting and please check back frequently for information about what is happening in LISBON/LISBON FALLS, MAINE USA

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Consolidation of Dispatch Services Happens Elsewhere

What a way to save money!

Freeport police alarmed by dispatch merger plan

By Edward D. Murphy

It seems like a pretty straightforward idea: Dispatchers in Brunswick answer public safety calls from Freeport, so why shouldn't they also dispatch that town's police cars, firetrucks and ambulances.

Freeport's Town Council had no problem answering the question. It voted Tuesday night to approve a new contract under which Brunswick will dispatch Freeport's public safety calls for $10,000 a month, plus a one-time fee of $122,500 for equipment upgrades.

Town Manager Dale C. Olmstead Jr. said the contract will save Freeport about $100,000 a year, the difference between what the town will pay Brunswick and the cost of the salaries and equipment for its own dispatch center.