I have written in prior posts (link) (link) about our attempts to break down artificial barriers that prevent administrative efficiencies from being achieved. Methuen is one of the cities involved in the planning for a regional dispatch center that would serve Essex County and eliminate the need for all communities to buy costly equipment and maintain separate staffs for E-911 calls. The working group has made great progress, and I know that such a venture has the support of Governor Deval Patrick. Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins has been a great resource for this group and deserves praise for his assistance to the cities and towns involved. The City Council has accepted the premise, and I have named Fire Chief Clifford Gallant as Methuen’s representative to this regional group. It appears that the timetable for some action could be as little as one year. Read the Globe story at this link.