Shared-services groups begin committee work

PROVIDENCE – Two advisory committees of the Joint Municipal Shared Services Study Commission have begun helping the commission to determine whether and how cities and towns in Rhode Island could collaborate to make municipal services more efficient.
The new Tax Collection Advisory Committee and the Public Safety Dispatch Advisory Committee both held their first meetings late last month. The two groups discussed current practices and potential barriers to collaboration in their respective areas, and received an update on surveys that will be sent to municipalities seeking information relative to their work.
Both advisory committees consists of working professionals and officials from across the state, as well as other stakeholders and experts. The panels have been asked to make recommendations and provide information to the joint commission. Both groups are scheduled to meet monthly through December 2014. •