09/12/2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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Board of Selectmen Minutes September 12, 2016 Conditions & Onerafine Policies for the Operation of a Communications Center for the Town of Mashpee by the Barnstable Countv Sheriffs Office, Sheriff James M. Cummines: At the request of the Board of Selectmen, Special Sheriff Jeffrey Perry from the Barnstable County Sheriffs Office was in attendance to review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the cooperative operation of a primary fire department dispatch system. With respect to the assessment to the Town of Mashpee for Fire Dispatch and Centralized Medical Emergency Direction (CMED) services for fiscal year 2017 the Board of Selectmen inquired about the fee increases. In fiscal year 2015 Mashpee's assessment was $90,896. The FY2016 invoice for fiscal year 2017 reflects a substantial increase; $106,655.89. It was noted the Mashpee Fire Department through its operating budget has appropriated funding for this service in FYI 7. Special Sheriff Perry indicated the Sheriff s Department has operated a regional communication center since 1943. This year's assessment is charged per capita versus per call as in previous assessments. The new invoice is reflective of the new formula. It was explained the cost is determined by the regional communications center which is comprised of eleven participating Cape communities. It was a regional decision to charge a per capita fee. It is estimated that 40% of the cost is paid for by municipal assessment, and the remainder is assumed under the operational budget of the Sheriffs Department. For FY18, the Sheriff has agreed to maintain the municipal assessment of 40%. With respect to determining costs, Town Manager Rodney C. Collins indicated he was not involved in this particular dialogue. However, it is important to realize the level of training at a regional center is different than a typical dispatch center. In support of the program Town Manager Collins stated the per capita charges gives predictability and avoids fluctuations in costs. Discussion followed with respect to the advantages of a regional communications center for fire and medical dispatch services. Special Sheriff Perry stated that a regional communications center represents a benefit to smaller communities. Recently, the Town of Chatham and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe have signed the agreement for regional services while larger Cape towns' benefit by having their own efficiencies. It was noted that funds have been awarded to renovate and expand the communications center in fiscal year 2019. In other business, it was reported the Town of Mashpee has had a significant decrease in crime, The Sheriff s Department makes community services calls, arranges for special event tents, works with the Special Olympics and provides labor for community projects. The Sheriffs Department is now hiring thirty new correctional offices. The deadline for applications is next Friday. Entry level testing is planned in October. And, for informational purposes 40 year round employees of the Sheriff s Department live in the Town of Mashpee.