HOULTON, Maine — The town’s police force soon will be getting a new cruiser to replace an aging vehicle for its fleet.
The Houlton Town Council agreed on Monday, June 24, to purchase a 2020 Ford Explorer from Yorks of Houlton for the amount of $33,243.
Two bids were received for the cruiser, with the council opting to go with the slightly higher bid from Yorks in order to “shop local.”
“There was only a $1,000 difference between the two bids,” Houlton Town Manager Marian Anderson said. “The Yorks bid, however, included some additional wiring harnesses. Plus I know it is the council’s preference that we stay local.”
To cover most of the expense of the cruiser, the councilors also approved a three-year, fixed interest loan from Machias Savings Bank of Houlton in the amount of $28,170. The interest rate is 2.92 percent.
According to Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca, the department is on a rotation to replace its aging cruisers with newer models to ensure safe equipment for its officers, while also reducing repair expenses. Next year, the department hopes to purchase two more vehicles.
“Currently we are holding off on some repairs, knowing that new units will be arriving,” DeLuca said.
The new cruiser will be used for patrols, while older vehicles will become administrative vehicles. The oldest cruiser in the fleet will be retired, the chief said.
