Winthrop Town Manager Cornell Knight hopes to see some serious discussion next week on how best to meet demand for police, fire and emergency medical services.

In February, residents defeated a proposed $4 million public safety complex, 836-646. Now the issue is resurfacing.

An architect’s study of existing public safety buildings is on the agenda for the July 2 council meeting, and Knight has proposed $4 million for upgrading or replacing those facilities in the coming fiscal year. That budget line is part of a capital improvement program for 2008 through 2012.

“We need to make some decisions on this,” Knight said. “The council is going to have to look at this report... and decide which path to take,” he said. The $40,000 report by Lewis & Malm Architecture of Bucksport evaluates the aging downtown fire station, cramped police headquarters, and small building housing the ambulance service — one ambulance is parked outside for lack of space. Town officials have in the past said the old buildings could require expensive renovation and might still fall short of meeting needs.

Rick Malm, architect, will provide a power point presentation at the 7 p.m. council session. After that, Knight expects the council to weigh options on what’s the best way to proceed.