Town Council approves $52,842 purchase of 2025 police cruiser; sale of 2020 truck to offset cost

The Fairfield Town Council voted to approve the purchase of a 2025 police cruiser from Quirk Ford for $52,842.00 at its July 8 meeting. Councilor Stephanie Thibodeau moved to fund the purchase from the Police Capital Equipment Reserve Account; the motion was seconded by Vice Chair Matt Townsend and carried 5‑0.

Police Chief Tom Gould confirmed the purchase is part of the department’s regular fleet‑replacement schedule, saying maintaining a current fleet is important because of “the high mileage and significant wear and tear on the department's vehicles.” Chief Gould added the new cruiser will replace the captain’s vehicle upon the captain’s upcoming retirement and that the town plans to sell the 2020 Dodge Ram via an online auction to offset part of the cost.

Town Manager Flewelling reiterated that scheduled replacement of one vehicle each year helps avoid replacing multiple vehicles at once and is generally more cost‑effective than repeated repairs. No amendments or alternative funding sources were proposed during the meeting; the council approved the motion unanimously.