On the verge of a breakup, Lawrence and Methuen make amends to keep public health partnership alive

Without a working partnership, Lawrence and Methuen would have both missed out on renewing a Public Health Excellence grant worth $1.75 million over the next three years. The state Department of Public Health is in the midst of renewing those grants, which are available to municipalities that participate in shared services agreements. Just a few weeks ago, Lawrence and Methuen were on the cusp of a messy breakup after Methuen officials complained Lawrence had not met standards needed to maintain a functional collaboration. To repair the relationship, Lawrence officials have...