Pepperell Selectmen Back Regional 911 Dispatch Study, Approve Cable Media Nonprofit Bylaws

PEPPERELL — January 11, 2012 — Pepperell selectmen unanimously backed further study of a regional 911 dispatch center and approved bylaws for a new nonprofit cable access entity at their January 11 meeting. Beverly Woods, Executive Director of the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments, told the board a full nine-community consolidation of dispatch operations would save the region roughly $2.5 million per year, with Pepperell's share estimated at $254,000 — nearly matching the town's projected $240,000 structural deficit for FY 2013. A partial consolidation pairing Pepperell with Dunstable, Tyngsboro, and Groton showed no savings, because state incentive funding requires a combined population of at least 70,000. Pepperell Police and Fire Chief Frank told the board NEMCOG "did an outstanding job" but called the town's participation "too soon to tell." The board stressed its vote was limited to fact-finding: "The board is not through its motion endorsing regionalization at this time," Chairman Joe Sergi said. Separately, the board approved bylaws for Pepperell Community Media Incorporated — the nonprofit designated to manage roughly $1 million in cable franchise fees over the life of the Charter agreement — after members debated quorum and accountability provisions.