Fire Rescue News - Longport considering merging dispatchers with Margate
By ELAINE ROSE Staff Writer | Posted: Friday, February 26, 2010 | 12 comments
Five Longport police dispatchers would be the latest casualties of municipal cost-saving measures, as the borough follows through with a plan to consolidate the service with neighboring Margate, officials said Thursday.
Mayor Nicholas Russo said Thursday that the borough is researching the possibility of paying Margate to dispatch its police, firefighters and ambulance personnel as a cost-cutting measure in tough economic times....Continue Reading
Continue from page 1
"I just believe that we, as a government, and I as an individual, would be remiss in my fiduciary duty if I didn't at least see what is out there," Russo said.
No final decision has been made, Russo said, and he has no estimate of how much the borough might save by combining the dispatch services with Margate.
Longport employs four full-time dispatchers and one part-time dispatcher, said David Tucker, president of the Government Workers Union. Other temporary dispatchers assist them during the busy summer season.
In addition to his members losing their jobs, Tucker said residents of Longport would not get the level of service they are accustomed to if Margate takes over the dispatch operations. For example, Longport dispatchers make daily calls to several senior citizens to make sure they are OK, he said.
Margate dispatchers are paid more than their Longport counterparts, so the consolidation might not save as much money as the mayor would like, Tucker said.
Russo said he is concerned about the dispatchers' livelihoods and would do all in his power - such as make phone calls and write letters of recommendation - to help them find new jobs in the area.
"They've been very loyal," Russo said. "The borough appreciates what they do."
The Lifeliners program of contacting seniors would stay in place if Margate takes over the dispatch duties, Russo said.
The consolidation measure is in its early stages, and there is still research to be done before a decision is made, Russo said.
"I wouldn't make up my mind until I get the data and the reports from my police and fire chief," Russo said.
Commissioner John Lawler is holding a public budget hearing at 3 p.m. March 10, and residents are welcome to come and give their input at that time, Russo said.
Police Chief Scott Porter said Thursday the topic of consolidating dispatch services has been discussed for some time. He is meeting regularly with the Margate police chief about once a week to discuss each department's needs and capabilities.
The process will take some time, and won't happen overnight, Porter said.
"The ideal is to do this in a way where there's no sacrifice of services, but there's a gain in economy," Porter said. "This is clearly budget-driven. Municipalities are forced to look for ways to bring their budgets in line with the laws."
Contact Elaine Rose:
609-272-7215
