By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — On Tuesday — a few weeks after Naples announced its intention to end the three-town agreement for a regional Animal Control Officer — Casco leaned toward keeping those shared services with the Town of Raymond.

Casco Town Manager Tony Ward talked briefly about an item that was on the agenda of the Casco Select Board.

What has taken place in the past few months is: During Naples Annual Town Meeting on May 16, residents rejected the budget for the Animal Control Officer (ACO). Some people in Naples expressed their displeasure with an ACO schedule that was Monday through Thursday. What about the weekends, they asked. Another concern was response time since the ACO was working in a big coverage area.

On Tuesday, Ward told the board the topic will come up again as the two remaining towns work out the details.

“In the interlocal agreement, the three towns are required to give 180 days, or six-month’s notice” if a town wants to withdrawal from the pact, Ward said.

“Naples wanted us to be aware a year in advance. Their leadership wants to focus on a different model. They think the use of one person for three communities is challenging,” he said.

“Raymond wants to remain in the agreement. The revenue would be smaller if we split it two ways,” Ward said

Essentially, the Town of Casco is responsible for the ACO’s pay and benefits, and the other towns reimburse Casco. Therefore, as it appears on the budget, Casco has a higher, upfront expense than Naples and Raymond do. But, Casco receives revenue to balance that out.

As a point of clarification: Naples will hold a Special Town Meeting to approve the funding for this fiscal year.

Naples would officially withdrawal from the interlocal agreement starting July 1, 2025.

Most likely, the real work of figuring out the ACO services will occur during the budget process next winter and spring.

“Both boards would have to decide between Raymond and Casco what coverage they want. Do you want 50-50 or 33-67? This is coming down the road,” Ward said.