Selectmen approve purchase and build‑out of new police cruiser up to $65,000

Brentwood selectmen voted unanimously Monday to authorize the police chief to buy a new police cruiser and complete the equipment build‑out, up to a total of $65,000.

Police Chief Justin Berg told the board the department has budgeted for a cruiser this year as part of a multi‑year replacement rotation. The chief presented a quote from Colonial for a Ford Explorer at $46,708.80 and estimated the full build‑out would bring the total to about $65,000, with an expected $15,000–$16,000 for outfitting and possible small variances for tariffs and vendor pricing.

The chief said the department aims to standardize its frontline fleet (four matching Explorers), recycle usable equipment from retired cars and avoid deficit spending on maintenance. "If we can continue with this replacement schedule no car should realistically ever see a hundred thousand miles," he told the board.

Select Board member Jim moved to authorize the purchase and outfitting up to $65,000; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all four members recorded as voting in favor. The chief said he would report back if expenses exceed the authorized amount and would request a supplemental appropriation only if necessary.

Why it matters: Replacing older cruisers as part of a predictable rotation is intended to reduce maintenance costs and ensure reliable police response. The board authorized the expenditure from the police budget with the chief allowed to draw on reconciled impact‑fee balances if small overages occur.

What happens next: Chief Berg will finalize purchase arrangements with Colonial and coordinate the build‑out. The board asked to be notified if the final cost exceeds the $65,000 authorization.