Select Board authorizes Town Manager to negotiate intermunicipal agreement with Littleton for shared public health nurse

The Select Board authorized the Town Manager to negotiate an intermunicipal agreement (IMA) with the Town of Littleton to share a public health nurse. The proposal would convert a part‑time public health nurse position in Acton to a full‑time position and have Littleton cover approximately 33% of salary and benefit costs.

Public Health staff explained the town has had difficulty filling the public health nurse role and that a full‑time position shared between Acton and Littleton would improve recruitment prospects. Littleton is still reviewing the draft IMA internally; the town manager said the proposed agreement is structured for an annual term with notice required by May if either party chooses not to continue.

Motion and vote: Select Board member Brand (mover recorded in the minutes) moved to authorize the Town Manager to negotiate an IMA with Littleton for public health nurse services substantially as presented; a second was recorded and the board approved the motion by unanimous roll call.

Why it matters: Shared staff models can expand service capacity, reduce per‑town costs and fill hard‑to‑recruit public‑health roles. The arrangement elevates the position to full time and spreads costs across two towns, with Littleton contributing one‑third of total compensation costs under the draft terms.

What’s next: Town Manager to finalize negotiations and present the final IMA for signing; Littleton will complete its internal review first.