Selectmen denied a request from the Police and Fire Department’s chief dispatcher to attend a national safety conference using paid administrative leave, citing a conflict of interest.

Instead, dispatcher Tracy Eldridge must use vacation days to attend the National Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials on Aug. 4, 5 and 6 in New Orleans. Eldridge is the Chief Dispatcher of the town's Communication Center.

Eldridge is also employed by The Public Safety Group as an instructor. She explained she would spend some time working at the company’s informational booth. During two days of the conference, she would field questions from attendees a few hours in the morning. After that, she said there are networking events, leadership training and more opportunities for supervisors and dispatchers.

Selectmen seemed skeptical.

“Is that a…,” Chair Brad Morse said then paused.

“Conflict?” said Town Counsel Blair Bailey. “Yes, is the short answer.”

To compensate Eldridge for her time, The Public Group is paying for her airfare, hotel and $500 registration fee. Eldridge would not be paid directly for her time at the conference. Letting her attend as a town employee poses an issue, Bailey said.

“The problem is that [The Public Safety Group] is paying for a benefit to a town employee that’s more than $50, essentially.”

Eldridge noted that former Town Administrator Rich LaCamera approved an identical request last year. In 2007, she attended the conference using a grant awarded to her after being named Dispatcher of the Year.

“I use my personal time for The Public Safety Group,” Eldridge said. “In this case, when I attend I get certifications and a certificate of attendance that I put in my file as education and training I received.”

Bailey said under ethics laws Eldridge could go using paid leave, but only if the town paid for her attendance.

Selectman Rich Nunes said the board should not approve the request.

Eldridge said her attendance at the event is a great value to the town.

“I understand there’s a gray area, but I understand there’s a huge benefit,” she said. “I’ve received so much information at the last two I attended.”