TURNER — Androscoggin County Commissioner Sally Christner asked selectmen Monday whether the spending cap for the Androscoggin County Jail should remain at 3 percent or be removed, as she will be voting on the issue soon.

The state-mandated jail consolidation law in 2009 included a cap on taxes counties could charge towns, and ultimately residents, for funding jails.

Selectman Angelo Terreri asked if it had to be removed or if it could be raised by a specific percentage amount.

Christner said she thought it could be either.

Board Chairman Kurt Youland cautioned that once that number was raised, it would likely “never come down again.”

Christner praised the budget-stretching creativity of the the staff, pointing out that the jail in Auburn has kept its expenses down and remains the lowest dollar-per-inmate county jail in the state.

Christner admitted that meeting the demands of the food budget, along with other expenses, was an ongoing challenge. Further discussion revolved around the frustration of getting the state to chip in its fair share of the costs.

Selectman Ralph Caldwell asked Christner whether commissioners were nearing a resolution in the lawsuit filed by county against the commission.

“I think we’re close,” Christner said.

The lawsuit, with Lewiston in the lead, was filed in Androscoggin County Superior Court in July 2015 and contends that commissioners overstepped their powers in approving the county budget by voting in higher salaries and benefits for themselves than what was approved by the Budget Committee in 2014.

It asks for the return of all salaries and benefits not approved by the Budget Committee. The amended suit also seeks to deny the commissioners from having the county pay for its legal bills.

In other business Monday, the town will purchase a 2017 Dodge Ram 5500 four-wheel-drive truck with a Cummings diesel engine and six-speed transmission.

Selectmen Ralph Caldwell and Steve Maheu voted against the purchase. Caldwell argued in favor or a gas engine. Maheu remained unconvinced that a new truck was the way to go.

Youland argued that the cost of hiring a mechanic to maintain an older truck would quickly erase the money saved on the purchase price of such a vehicle.

The vote to accept the bid from Central Maine Chrysler for $42,925 was tied, with Caldwell and Maheu opposed and Selectmen Kevin Nichols and Angelo Terreri in favor.

Youland broke the tie with a yes vote.

The best use of the Boofy Quimby Memorial Center in the future was again brought up for discussion. The expense for the center is $6,000 per year, offset by only $4,500 brought in last year.

Required liability insurance for BYOB events has prevented groups from renting it.

Town Manager Kurt Schaub said groups with catered events with a cash bar are usually covered under the caterer’s insurance. He researched the option of the town picking up blanket insurance coverage but did not find a workable option.

Plans to upgrade the restrooms and entryway, and make the facility handicapped accessible are still in the works.