Bel Air OKs purchase of 2025 Ford Maverick for technology department

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners unanimously approved the technology department’s request March 2 to buy a 2025 Ford Maverick to replace a 2005 Chevrolet Uplander.

Commissioner Hanley moved the purchase of a 2025 Maverick; town staff described frequent local use of the existing vehicle, the need to transport tools, IT hardware and ladders, and the procurement strategy via the Hartford County fleet price agreement. Staff said the FY26 budget included $38,000 for a replacement and that Plaza Ford’s proposal was cited in the meeting record (motion language referenced $28,815 while staff later recited $28,008.15). The town plans to sell the 2005 Uplander at public auction, with an estimated value of $1,500–$3,000.

Commissioners pressed staff on the type of cover for the truck bed; several said a locking shell or cap is worth the extra cost to secure equipment, and staff agreed to purchase a weatherproof locking option after the sale. "They will definitely purchase something that locks for sure," staff said.

The board approved the purchase unanimously. The administration will finalize purchase paperwork and return with any additional aftermarket equipment costs (estimated in the discussion at roughly $1,000 for a cover or $3,500–$4,000 for a shell).

What’s next: Staff will complete procurement under the county price agreement, arrange disposal of the old vehicle at auction, and purchase a locking cap for the Maverick.