ATHOL — It’s official. Craig A. Lundgren, police chief in Orange, has been sworn in as the acting chief in Athol, through June 30, 2019. The boards of selectmen for both communities voted last week to enter into a shared services agreement through the end of fiscal year 2019. Chief Lundgren will split his time between the neighboring towns and officially began work in Athol on November 1.
Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said, “I want to thank Chief Lundgren, Orange Town Administrator Gabe Voelker and the Athol and Orange boards of selectmen for supporting a concept that will provide mutual dividends to each department and community. Chief Lundgren is experienced and well-respected in the region and will work closely with Lt. Cote to lead our professional and dedicated police officers.”
According to the intermunicipal agreement for police services, signed by the Town Manager and both boards of selectmen in Athol and Orange, Lundgren will perform the duties as chief for both times (designated as Acting Chief in Athol). He will work a minimum of 2.5 days per week in each town, and parties have agreed that duties may affect this schedule.
Athol will provide all appropriate and necessary police equipment and supplies while Lundgren is working in town, such as his badge and uniform, and will provide administrative services to Chief Lundgren while performing his duties in Athol.
He will have the authority to direct, control, supervise and assign all Athol Police personnel, and will report weekly to the Athol Town Manager and Orange town Administrator, and meet monthly to discuss the services being performed.
Budget
For the period starting Nov. 1 to June 30, 2019, Athol shall pay Orange the monthly sum of $5,382.79. In addition to the monthly salary, Athol shall pay to Orange 50 percent of all maintenance and repair costs for the unmarked Orange police cruiser the chief will drive. Parties agreed Athol shall not be responsible for repairs and maintenance reasonably determined to be based solely on the age of the unmarked Orange cruiser. Each town will provide a WEX card for gasoline purchases for the vehicle. Chief Lundgren will be considered an employee of Orange for retirement, health insurance, FICA and unemployment insurance. Paychecks will be issued by Orange.
In terms of liability, each town maintains general liability insurance covering police personnel during the term of this agreement, and will be responsible for any claims while the Chief is performing his duties in the respective communities.
Either party may opt out of the agreement upon 30 days written notice without penalty.
By no later than March 30, 2019 each party shall notify the other party whether they wish to renew this inter-municipal agreement for police chief services for a specified period of time. If either party indicates an unwillingness to renew the agreement, the agreement shall expire on June 30, 2019. The agreement may be extended by mutual agreement of both parties.