Is the Concept of Shared Services in Tolland on Hold?

Town Council members on Tuesday were still torn about where to pursue the concept of shared services between the municipal government and Board of Education. 

But they all agreed that, with one more meeting left in October before the November elections, a decision has to be made.

And soon. 

Town officials will likely attempt to resume discussions with school officials this week and next and then report back to the council. To see what can "move forward."

Here are some functions that Town Manager Steve Werbner believes should addressed within the concept of shared services: 

• Centralize responsibility for reviewing and prioritizing security upgrades and implementation of the same both in the town and BOE with the town's public safety operation. 

• Centralize responsibility for town-wide emergency notifications with the town's public safety operation including notifications on school closing due to weather events, lockdowns of schools, etc.

• Create a centralized account to fund HVAC related expenses and improvements for both the town and BOE.

• Create a town and BOE facility maintenance unit which initially would focus on HVAC repairs, lighting, electrical, and other skilled trades such as painting and small building repairs. The  unit would be overseen by a Public Works Supervisor who would report to the public works director.

• Study the possible transfer of the supervision of custodial staff to the town. That would require the hiring of a least two working foreman, one on the day and one on the night shift. 

• Have the town take over maintenance of all outside grounds at the BOE and not just fields.