Selectmen debate $30,000 dispatch study; consultant to refine deliverables

The New London Board of Selectmen heard competing views July 16 on whether a $30,000 consultant study will yield a clear, decision‑ready recommendation on whether the town should keep, restructure, or outsource dispatch services.

Town administrator Ashley said consultant Sherry Bush proposed a two‑phase approach. "Phase 1 will deliver that four‑scenario comparative evaluation. It will have findings and recommendations to support the board being able to make that decision," Ashley said, describing a public‑facing scenario comparison table the consultant would provide. She added that more in‑depth work — benchmarking and an operational efficiency analysis — was likely to appear as a separate, costlier phase 2.

Selectman Bebe, who participated in calls with the consultant, said phase 1 is intended to let the board "make a decision on are we gonna keep it the way it is or are we gonna look at other options?" She emphasized phase 1 will include transitional‑cost estimates tied to the options.

Selectman Rich questioned whether the $30,000 study would produce a finished product or serve as a sales pitch leading to larger, follow‑on expenditures. "My worry is ... we're talking about spending roughly $30,000 for this study," Rich said. "What I'm concerned about ... is that we will be spending $30,000 for what sounds potentially like a really good commercial for why we need to spend more money." Rich asked for a clear, tangible deliverable the board can act on without immediately needing phase 2.

Ashley and Bebe said they had pressed the consultant to ensure phase 1 will be decision‑ready and offered to arrange a direct conversation between Rich and the consultant. "I specifically brought that point up with her and said we need to make sure that what we get at the end of this is something tangible that the board of selectmen can action on," Ashley said.

The discussion also covered how the town bills other municipalities for dispatch. Finance staff later explained that partner towns are billed based on call volume and that those towns have historically contributed to a capital reserve account for dispatch equipment. The study will also examine cost comparisons with neighboring dispatch centers and transitional costs if the town moves dispatch to a different facility.

The board did not vote on the study contract at the meeting. Selectmen agreed to pause further action until Selectman Rich speaks with the consultant and the consultant provides a clarified cost addendum and scope of deliverables.