An Order to authorize the Mayor to enter into a renewal of the inter-municipal agreement for an additional one-year period beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 with the Town of Salisbury pursuant to M.G.L c. 40 § 4A for the provision of animal control services.

This ordinance renews Amesbury’s inter-municipal agreement with the Town of Salisbury to jointly provide regional animal control and inspection services for another year, continuing the arrangement that has operated since 2018 and was extended in prior years. The renewal covers July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 under M.G.L. c. 40 § 4A, with Salisbury designated as the lead municipality and an Administrative Steering Committee to oversee operation.

Key terms include: (1) ACO and Inspector employed by Salisbury will provide services; oversight by Salisbury Police Chief with protocol alignment to Amesbury when the ACO operates in Amesbury; (2) service hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday, with after-hours and weekend coverage via separate contracts; (3) cost sharing where Salisbury pays the ACO salary and health benefits and Amesbury pays half of those costs; after-hours call-out costs of $25 per hour per town; fines/revenues allocated to the respective municipality; (4) vehicle arrangements where the ACO vehicle is owned by Amesbury, with Salisbury paying fuel and potential buyout options upon termination. The agreement also allows for administrative support, reporting, and potential expansion to additional communities, subject to further amendments. Termination requires 60 days’ notice, and the contract cannot exceed 25 years, with general provisions remaining in force pending a new agreement or termination.