Residents assured emergency services remain intact, despite budget cuts

Date: 3/24/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- The economic crunch will not mean that Merrick residents should fear cuts to emergency services.

Mayor Edward Gibson told Reminder Publications last week that residents in Precincts One and Two who are concerned about the Main Street Substation closing have nothing to fear. Gibson and Police Chief Thomas Burke will be making an appearance at the next Precinct One and Two Neighborhood Committee meeting on March 30, to quell any misconceptions about the current fiscal crisis and its effects on public safety.

Gibson explained that he's asked department heads to submit three budgets -- level-funded, five percent in reductions and 10 percent in reductions -- for his consideration. He said cost cutting measures will not necessarily mean personnel cuts, especially in the areas of emergency service.

"Right now it doesn't look like we'll get anywhere near as bad [of] budget [cuts] to have to close the [Main Street] Substation," Gibson said, adding that scenario is "nothing that I support or see happening."

In an e-mail to the Precinct One and Two Neighborhood Committee, member Diane Crowell said, "Since the opening of this substation the Merrick neighborhood has greatly benefitted. Their [police] presence has lowered crime and improved neighborhood relations. The possible closing would be detrimental to the neighborhood."

Lillian Hillman, another member of the Precinct One and Two Neighborhood Committee, agreed. She added that the police presence as well as their accessibility to residents is what have maintained a peaceful neighborhood.

Dori Hayes, member of the Precinct One and Two Neighborhood Committee, said since the existence of the substation, traffic has slowed, crime has been reduced and relations between the police and members of the neighborhood have remained productive.

Gibson explained that he anticipates releasing a fiscal year 2010 (FY10) level-funded budget or a budget with five percent reductions to the Town Council by May 1.

"This is an extremely stressful budget process," he said, adding that he hopes federal stimulus dollars and fiscal restraint will help the town through FY10.

The Precinct Neighborhood One and Two Committee meeting will take place on March 30 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 802 Main St.