AUBURN — The Androscoggin County Commission unanimously voted to purchase four vehicles requested by the Sheriff’s Department.

Three of the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicles are slated for the Public Safety Division, while the fourth will replace the aging jail transport vehicle.

The cost of the three vehicles for the Public Safety Division, after trade-ins, is $89,641.

Sheriff Eric Samson said the typical lifespan of patrol vehicles is three to five years.

“These vehicles are more conducive for what we do,” Samson said.

These are the first Ford Interceptors purchased by the department. Feedback from state police and other police departments that have purchased them is excellent, Samson said.

But because this is the third year Ford has built these police vehicles — replacing the Crown Victorias — the trade-in value hasn’t been determined.

“Price point-wise, it is probably the best value,” Samson said. “The only thing we couldn’t get is what is the residual when you’re looking to get rid of them.”

The aging transport vehicle has 145,000 miles on it and brought in less than $600 in trade. The cost of the new vehicle was $30,862.50.

“Our transport vehicle racks up the miles because they’re going all over the state,” Samson said. “They’re not really driven hard. We keep up with maintenance regularly so we’re getting a better value, a better life expectancy than you would if it was driven in the city.”

Commissioner Randall Greenwood wondered if the department should delay purchasing the transport vehicle for a few months because of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the county jails.

With the consolidation of the jails likely ending, the state could return control to the county — with or without state funding assistance — or the state could take over.

“It’s a legitimate point, but I think it is a lose-lose at this point,” Samson said. “I look at it as we’re getting rid of a car for the jail with 145,000 miles on it and there are some liability and concerns there.”

“It’s worn out,” Capt. Raymond Lafrance said. “It’s served its purpose. It’s in bad shape.”

The commissioners voted 6-0 to purchase the four vehicles. Commissioner Alfreda Fournier was absent.

The board also reappointed Elaine Makas to the Central/Western Maine Workforce Investment Board and hired two people to fill vacancies in the District Attorney’s Office.