By News staff
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island is looking at ways that cities and towns could save money by sharing municipal services.
One commission is investigating whether local governments can merge their emergency dispatch services to save money and more effectively use public safety resources. Another is reviewing proposals to combine municipal tax collection operations.
The commissions consist of residents, local officials and business owners from around the state.
Both panels met for the first time last week at the Statehouse. They're expected to report their findings back to state lawmakers.
Legislators are looking for ways that cities can share services to improve efficiency while saving money.