MEXICO – Selectmen approved the purchase of three additional turnout gear sets for the Mexico Fire Department at a cost of about $4,500.

Fire Chief Gary Wentzell told the board Wednesday night that the three sets slated for replacement did not pass inspection and are a safety issue.

Town Manager John Madigan said the department will be allowed to use funds from its reserve account if sufficient money is not available at the end of the fiscal year.

The Fire Department had previously been authorized to buy another three sets; that cost is built into the proposed budget, which residents will decide June 9.

Selectmen learned Wednesday that the local access channel will broadcast a video of candidates’ night several times before the June 9 election. Six residents are running for two seats on the board. For the one-year term, candidates are Reginald Arsenault, Betty Barrett, Andy Dupuis and Mabel Merrill. For the three-year term, incumbent Selectman Richard Philbrick is challenged by Budget Committee member A. Byron Ouellette.

The board’s next meeting is set for June 10.