Police, fire to be studied

Mayor Scott D. Galvin is expected to select a consultant this week for a proposed study of Woburn’s police and fire departments. Galvin is seeking the study to identify potential ways to improve efficiency in the operation of the two public safety departments that could result in cost savings. He said possible areas to be evaluated would include ambulance service, dispatch, manning, scheduling, and overtime. The city advertised for bids from prospective consultants, and Galvin selected three firms to interview last week. He said he hopes to select a firm from among those three companies. For the study to go forward, Galvin will need to secure an appropriation from the City Council to cover the cost, which he estimated at $40,000 to $45,000. The study would take at least six months.