Preston — The proposed major development at the former Norwich Hospital has caused a delay in a study of whether the town should partner with either Norwich or Ledyard for police coverage instead of using resident state troopers.

David Paige, co-chairman of the Emergency Services Advisory Committee, gave an update to the Board of Selectmen on Thursday on the status of the committee's research into possible cost savings and the town's potential long-term need for enhanced police coverage.

The committee originally was scheduled to provide its final report to the Board of Selectmen in March, giving an analysis of the costs for the current two resident state trooper coverage and proposals from both Norwich and Ledyard police departments to cover Preston.

But Paige said that schedule was developed when the final agreement with the Mohegan tribe for the former Norwich Hospital property was expected to be unveiled in November. Town and tribal officials extended the deadline to Feb. 19, and Preston Redevelopment Agency Chairman Sean Nugent said Thursday the parties hope to finalize the agreement by Wednesday.

The discussion of police services evolved into a debate over whether to wait for the development to take shape before making changes or seek immediate cost comparisons in time for the 2017-18 budget process this spring. No development is expected for at least two years, as the final environmental cleanup is expected to take a year.

Selectman Lynwood Crary said the board needs answers now on whether partnering with either Ledyard or Norwich could provide the same or better police coverage for the same or lower costs. He agreed the town should not sign long-term contracts with any police entity, but could enter into agreements for a shorter term.

Preston this year is paying $322,650 for two resident troopers. In addition, Connecticut State Police Troop E in Montville provides one patrol cruiser through Preston and North Stonington 24 hours a day, regardless of whether the two resident troopers are on duty, Paige reported to the board.

He did not yet have comparison costs or coverage proposals from Ledyard or Norwich. Paige said he discussed the issue with leaders of the two departments, and suggested the committee would wait to learn more about the proposed Norwich Hospital development before seeking detailed proposals. He said the two departments agreed with that plan.

Selectmen, however, asked Paige to complete the comparison police coverage study based on current town service needs by mid-April to allow time to present information to residents during a public hearing on the proposed 2017-18 budget in early May.

Costs for resident troopers have escalated in recent years, prompting a call for possible alternatives during last spring's budget session. First Selectman Robert Congdon said predictions are dire for municipal aid in the coming state budget as well, and towns could be asked to pay a higher percentage or even all the costs in future years.

“We don't know what the state budget will do to resident troopers,” Congdon said.

c.bessette@theday.com