NORWAY — Selectmen say a plan to share police services with Paris is something they would support.

“As we continue to look at ways to save money and resources we have, that is a good thing,” Selectwoman Irene Millett said at the board’s Thursday night meeting.

The Paris and Norway police chiefs met with the selectmen of both towns April 2 to discuss the consolidation between the two towns who have a combined population of just over 10,000. A one-year trial period beginning in July has been proposed. It would be followed by a vote in both towns to permanently merge the town departments.

The plan would have Norway Police Chief Robert Federico at the helm. Paris Chief David Verrier would still be working in the two-town police force in but it is not clear yet in what capacity. The chief would report to the two town managers.

The Norway Police Department is staffed by eight full-time officers and three part time officers and an administrative assistant. The current fiscal year budget is $606,762.

The Paris Police Department is staffed by six officers, one school resource officer, who is significantly funded through the Oxford Hills School District budget, and a part-time administrative assistant. The annual operating budget is $504,733.

Town Manager David Holt, who is recommending the merger, said the plan may encounter an unanticipated roadblock because Paris officials have decided to investigate whether they should go with Oxford County law enforcement services rather than merge with Norway’s police department. Bethel disbanded its police department two years ago to use the Oxford County sheriff’s service.

“Paris is looking at the county. It’s not something I anticipated,” Holt said of the plan.

Both chiefs said the merger would provide better coverage for both Norway and Paris, allowing the towns to keep three officers on duty at all times, including one supervisor. Three detectives would be assigned to cover drug crimes, property crimes and crimes against people.

Holt said the projected savings are as little as $10,000 for Norway, but the chiefs and he agree that the level of service and coverage would improve significantly for both towns.

Holt said regardless of the final decision by the two towns, the plan is a “model” for other ideas that will be considered as Norway moves along in its attempt to cut costs whole retaining a high quality of service for its residents.

Holt also is looking at other ideas such as “renting out” its code enforcement office for two and one-half days a week. Norway Paris Solid Waste is bidding out the disposal of solid wastes with several other towns as another cost-saving plan. The town also anticipates contracting with Community Concepts to administer the town’s general assistance.

ldixon@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link