JAY — Selectmen awarded the contract for a new police cruiser to Bailey Brothers of Livermore Falls at a cost of $31,549.95 for a 2013 Ford Expedition.

It will replace a 2007 Ford Explorer. The latter vehicle will be bought by the town for use in another department at a cost of $7,000. The money will be transferred from the buildings and grounds budget to the Police Department budget once the new vehicle arrives.

Prior to the vote, Town Manager Ruth Cushman passed on information from board Chairman Steve McCourt who could not make the meeting. He suggested going with the new Interceptor that is replacing the Ford Crown Victoria for police cruisers.

Police Chief Larry White Sr. said those vehicles are just coming out and are untested.

“I’d rather stick to something known,” he said, for now. If the Interceptor works well in Farmington, Maine State Police and Franklin County Sheriff Department, all who plan to buy the new vehicles, he said, he would consider it for the next vehicle.

The last two years, the town has gone with Bailey Brothers for new cruisers, Selectman Tom Goding said.

White said the service is very good and they get the vehicles in right away if something needs to be done.

Goding said he would rather spend the money locally than go to Augusta.

Two other bids were submitted. Farmington Ford of Farmington bid $31,236.65 for a 2013 Ford Expedition. Quirk Chevrolet in Augusta bid $30,858 for a 2013 Ford Expedition.

Selectman Tim DeMillo said some towns choose the local dealers that meet the price within 5 percent.

“If we are going to start doing that we should have a policy to say that,” Cushman said.

Dealers are now on an even playing field and if the rules change, they should know about it, she said.

The difference between Farmington Ford and Bailey Brothers is $313.30. Selectmen decided to go with the higher priced vehicle due to service and nearness to the town.

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