LIVERMORE FALLS — The question on police service coverage in this town is heating up.

Even though there is no firm estimate of a contract for police services to be provided by Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department, opinions are being voiced. The town’s Budget Committee voted 5-0 in November, with three members absent to “strongly recommend that the board (selectmen) immediately enter into negotiations with the county to procure police services from the Sheriff’s Department,” according to a letter submitted to the board.

Livermore Falls police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. said in a letter to the board that he did his own figuring using a copy of Androscoggin County’s newest police service contract with Poland.

According to Steward, the cost for Livermore Falls Police Department to provide coverage for 2010-11 is $379,038.93 and using information for the county’s Poland contract, it would be $389,891.05. Adding in benefits, the amount increases to $549,156.06 for the local Department and $579,330.40 for the Sheriff’s Department.

Steward asked the board to take the information he provided and verify the contents.

“We cannot afford to lose any more officers, and they can not continue to work under these conditions,” Steward wrote. “With the assistance of our reserve officers and Jay Police Department we were able to do our jobs with the six officers we had. The (former town manager’s) report suggested we need seven officers to be efficient. I disagree; we just need to replace the vacant position before everyone becomes overwhelmed.”

Selectmen agreed Monday to form a subcommittee to request a proposed contract from the county. The six-member Livermore Falls police force, which is currently down to one officer, and the Department’s administrative assistant await the people’s decision.

Former Manager Jim Chaousis recommended, after analyzing information and listening to folks,  to pursue a contract with the Sheriff‘s Department for financial reasons.

“The Livermore Falls Police Department was created during a time that law enforcement was only a local issue, but times have changed,” Chaousis wrote. “Retaining the identity of the local law enforcement unit will have a huge impact on the town. Investment in the LFPD is necessary to keep the Department, which means less flexibility in other departments.”

“I think the investment in the Police Department is the best scenario for providing service but is the worst option for the financial situation of the town,” he wrote. “The additional $70,000 it would take to provide a service that is what the community needs is too much to ask.”

He believes the town needs an officer to work solely as investigator, which is where the additional money comes from. Steward disagrees. The figure doesn’t count any money for capital improvements.

Ultimately it’s the people’s choice, Chaousis said.

“The town of Livermore Falls needs to collectively meet with the Androscoggin County commissioners to create a contract for the people to decide on. If this is the new economy, the LFPD’s years are numbered anyway. Embracing change and making the best plausible step in the right direction is necessary.”

The Budget Committee commended Chaousis’ report, according to a letter, but the five members that were there and voted, Chairman Scott Roberts, George Cummings, Ronnie Sanborn, Megan Jackman and Ron Chadwick, took exception with Chaousis’ statement that investing in the local Department is the best scenario but the worst option for the financial situation of the town.

The town had a paper mill shut down in 2009 causing a significant loss of tax revenue.

“We do agree that is it is a very poor choice financially but we disagree that our Police Department can be ‘invested’ in to become more effective,” members of the panel wrote. “Livermore Falls simply does not have the financial resources to run as complete a police department as can be obtained by utilizing the Sheriff’s Department. It is simply a matter of economics and is not anyone’s fault. Towns our size cannot bring any economies of scale to bear on any of the services we expect will be provided.”

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