The Fountain Hills Town Council approved a resolution for an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control for Animal Control Services at its meeting Oct. 7.

The town previously worked in partnership with MCACC before turning to an independent contractor for the past year. Fountain Hills terminated that contract in August 2025 and has opted to repartner with MCACC. The intergovernmental agreement is an initial term of two years, with the ability to renew for two successive 12-month terms, according to background information provided within the Oct. 7 council meeting packet.

The estimated costs based on recent activity is $35,288 per year. Additional costs for community patrols will be billed at a full-cost recovery rate of $84.75 per hour. The payment will be drawn from the General Fund.

No substantial modifications to the town’s budget will be required, however, as MCACC has similar rates to the town’s already budgeted services based on the previous contractor.

Chapter 6 of the Town Code authorizes the Town of Fountain Hills to regulate animals within the town. Without approval to unite with MCACC, the town would be without a designated enforcement agency to respond to animal-related calls and services for its residents.