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Remember those postcards saying the town needed to bring in a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive strategic plan (like the one done in 2008) for Harpswell’s fire and rescue services? And that this should be done before approving $6 million for a new emergency services building?
The need for this study is clearer than ever. Taking this step, as Pete Nikitas wrote in the June Anchor (“Emergency services need broader conversation“), “isn’t an admission of failure. It’s an act of due diligence on behalf of taxpayers.” Why?
There were at least four major structure fires in the last 18 months, all of them occurring at night when we have no town firefighters on duty. Two resulted in fatalities. Around-the-clock firefighter coverage is needed now! The Fire and Rescue Planning Committee is grappling with this, but some say 24/7 coverage should wait until the central station is built. I disagree. Why wait?
The Orr’s Island station is configured to house firefighters 24/7. Why wouldn’t the Select Board bring forward a vote now on the budget for 24/7 coverage, either in a special Town Meeting or at the November election?
Cost overruns have required significant reductions to the size and capabilities of the new station. Site issues need to be resolved; approval from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection is months away. The town has requested $1.5 million for the project from the federal government, via U.S. Sen. Susan Collins. What if the money isn’t forthcoming? For sure we will pay more, or the final product will be very different from the building presented to voters last year.
We should have third-party consultants examine the entire emergency services system for Harpswell — staff, equipment, buildings and organizational structure. An unbiased review may serve us well. Time to pause and get it right!
Ellen Glew, Great Island
