An Order to authorize the Mayor to enter into an intermunicipal agreement pursuant to the provisions of MGL CH.40 § 4A for the provisions of participation in the Public Health Excellence (PHE) for Shared Services Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health.

The City of Amesbury is authorized to enter into an intermunicipal agreement under Massachusetts law to participate in the Public Health Excellence for Shared Services Grant with neighboring towns. The agreement creates the Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance (MVPHA) to consolidate and share public health resources, overseen by a Lead Municipality (Amesbury), a Shared Services Coordinator, and an Advisory Board. Participating towns must appoint representatives, attend meetings, and support data collection and training; non-grant costs may be funded only by lawfully appropriated funds. The term runs while grant funds are available, up to 25 years, with possible extension with consent.