The Strafford County Board of Commissioners approved a motion to waive the competitive-bid requirement and pursue purchasing three sport-utility vehicles and two vans from McGovern MHQ of Marlborough, Massachusetts, including upfitting.

Jared, a representative from the sheriff’s office, presented the request and explained staff preferred to buy from McGovern MHQ despite a slightly higher line-item price because the company would perform all upfitting—including cages, lights and sirens—on site. “They will do all the upfitting, complete everything,” he said, noting that the county lacks in-house capacity for the work.

County staff said the total price difference between the state bid and the MHQ option was small—presenters characterized it as “about a thousand dollars more total” for the three patrol vehicles—and that MHQ has responded quickly when minor issues have arisen on prior purchases. Commissioners asked for additional fleet details, including current mileage and delivery lead times; staff said an updated fleet rundown and delivery dates would be provided and that quoted prices are time-limited.

The motion approved by the commission authorized staff to pursue the MHQ purchase and to explore financing and leasing options; a future meeting will be required to approve any loan or financing. Commissioner Petrie recorded a “yes” on the roll call for the waiver motion, and the motion passed.

County staff listed next steps: obtain full invoices that separate vehicle and upfitting costs, confirm delivery schedules and inventory, and present financing options (purchase with loan vs. leasing) for commissioner approval.