The issue will be considered at a Feb. 3 regional selectmen's meeting hosted by Wilbraham.
WILBRAHAM – Fire Chief Francis W. Nothe and Police Chief Allen M. Stratton told selectmen the town should consider joining a regional dispatch unit with neighboring communities.
The town has been considering joining a regional dispatch group in Amherst.
Nothe told selectmen, however, that if Wilbraham joined a regional dispatch group based in Amherst and neighboring Ludlow joined a locally based group a mutual aid call would have to go three ways to provided the needed service.
Selectman Patrick J. Brady said a regional dispatch group being considered by towns in the Springfield area which would be based out of Amherst would mean two different county court jurisdictions.
Nothe said Wilbraham should consider either forming a group with neighboring towns such as East Longmeadow and Ludlow or waiting to see if Springfield forms a regional dispatching group.
Selectmen Chairman James E. Thompson said a regional selectmen’s meeting will be scheduled for Feb. 3 at the Wilbraham Town Offices on Springfield Street. Wilbraham selectmen will host selectmen from East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Hampden and Ludlow.
The subject of regional dispatch will be on the agenda, Thompson said.
He invited Nothe and Stratton to come to the meeting.
Stratton said state grants may become available for regional dispatch in February and March, with an application deadline of mid-May.
Nothe said he estimates that Wilbraham could save $120,000 annually by joining a regional dispatch group. Of the $120,000, the state currently subsidizes $45,000, but that subsidy could disappear, he said.