DIXFIELD — Selectmen unanimously agreed to buy gasoline and diesel fuel from the Maine Department of Transportation on a trial basis within the next couple of weeks.

They also agreed to consider a proposal to buy a generator for use by the water department.

Don Hutchins, MDOT spokesman, proposed selling diesel fuel for $3.43 per gallon and unleaded gasoline for $3.26 per gallon, plus an added 10 cents per gallon to cover billing and other administrative costs.

Although the costs per gallon will likely rise, according to the market, chances are that buying from the MDOT will almost always be less expensive than from other sources, because the MDOT buys fuel in such large quantities, Hutchins said Monday night.

Purchasing the fuel from the MDOT does not limit where the town can buy these products.

The need to find a fuel supplier arose because of issues with the town’s fuel storage tanks. Highway foreman David Phair said the town’s pumps won’t pump when the temperature is really low or really high.

“We’re looking at $10,000 or more to fix them,” Phair said.

The town also stores fuel for several surrounding towns and for RSU 10.

Hutchins said approved users of the MDOT pumps will be issued cards with PIN numbers. Vehicles can be refueled at any time of the night or day. The MDOT would bill the town monthly.

Water Department supervisor Jim White wants the town to buy a 90- to 100-kilowatt generator to serve as backup for the water system when the electricity is down.

He said estimates range from $47,000 to $59,000, plus $1,000 for wiring and associated installation.

The issue will likely come up again when the board begins its budget deliberations.

In other matters, the board:

* Offered the contract for the repair of a large culvert that carries Newton Brook under the Porter Road to Knowles Industrial Services of Gorham for between $10,000 and $15,000. Ted Berry Co. will be paid $4,500 for related work.

* Changes meeting dates to Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.

* Scheduled a selectmen’s meeting for Sept. 17 after a 5 p.m. public hearing on sewer rates.