PARIS — The town will hold a special meeting on Monday, Aug. 13, to see if residents will vote for a temporary merger of the Norway and Paris police departments.

Norway has already approved the merger. If Paris voters approve it, the police departments will begin a yearlong temporary merger while a transition committee works out a plan for a permanent merger. Residents of both towns would be asked to vote on the permanent merger next year.

Before Monday’s meeting, the board held a public hearing on the merger plan. Paris residents disagreed on the quality of the plan, with several asking for more specifics about the day-to-day operations of the temporary merger.

Calvin Woodworth argued that the merger was short on details, and was concerned that Norway’s calls for service would overwhelm Paris officers. He said he wanted more information on call volume for both towns.

“I think the whole thing stinks, myself,” Woodworth said. “If I could see the figures, I might be convinced.”

Paris police Chief David Verrier said the figures had been provided at a previous meeting, but said that while Norway gets more calls, there isn’t a huge difference between the two towns.

Kathy Richardson said the plan needed more details, including benchmarks so voters could determine whether the merger is a success. She said she was concerned the merger was being rushed, and felt residents should have more information before voting.

“How can I know if the trial is successful?” Richardson asked.

Chairman Sam Elliot said that would be up to voters to decide. He said everyone would have a different opinion of what a successful merger meant.

Robert Jewell said he felt that the specifics could be hashed out by the transition committee, which selectmen said would include both town managers and two selectmen from each board. The towns can’t predict every problem that could come up, he said, and a trial is the best way to find potential problems in a merger. “You can’t think of all the problems,” he said.

To address some concerns, the board voted to add one amendment stating that in the event that the Norway and Paris town managers can’t come to an agreement, a Maine State Police lieutenant will mediate the issue and make a decision if necessary.

Selectmen will meet July 30 to vote on a warrant for the Aug. 13 special town meeting.

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