SECTION 1.  The Towns of Cohasset, Hingham, Hull and Norwell (hereafter the “Towns”) are herewith authorized through their respective boards of selectmen to enter into a written agreement for the purpose of establishing, constructing, equipping, operating and maintaining a consolidated regional public safety communications/dispatch center (the “Center”).

SECTION 2.The written agreement shall provide for the management of the Center by a board of directors comprised of one person appointed by each member town and shall set forth the financial terms and conditions of membership of the Center and the powers and duties of the board of directors of the Center to operate and manage the Center and any other matters not incompatible with law.

SECTION 3.The board of directors shall establish and manage a fund to which all monies contributed by the towns, and all grants and gifts from the federal or state government or any other source shall be deposited.  The board of directors shall appoint a treasurer who may be a treasurer of one of the towns.  The treasurer, subject to the direction and approval of the board of directors shall be authorized to receive, invest and disburse all funds of the Center without further appropriation.  The treasurer shall give bond for the faithful performance of his/her duties in a form and amount as fixed by the board of directors.

SECTION 4.The board of directors shall have the authority to borrow money, enter into long or short term loan agreements or mortgages and to apply for state, federal or corporate grants or contracts to obtain funds necessary to carry out the purposes of the Center.

SECTION 5.The board of directors may enter into contracts for the purchase of supplies, materials and services and for the purchase or lease of land, buildings and equipment as deemed necessary.

SECTION 6.The board of directors shall be deemed a public employer and have the authority to employ personnel to carry out the purposes of the Center and to establish the duties, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment of personnel.

SECTION 7.The Center shall be deemed a public entity and shall have standing to sue and be sued to the same extent as a city or town.

SECTION 8.The written agreement establishing the Center may make provision for the method of termination of the Center and may also provide procedures for the addition of new member towns, or the withdrawal of Towns.

SECTION 9.This act shall take effect upon its passage.