PARIS — Oxford County officials agreed Tuesday to extend police coverage for Bethel for another year with no increase in cost.
County commissioners approved a new contract Tuesday morning for $295,000 to cover the salaries and equipment for three full-time deputies to provide 24-hour coverage for the next 12 months. It’s the same amount paid the past three years.
The contract allows either the town or the county to opt out of the agreement for any reason with a 60-day notice. It also shifts the cost of maintaining an office for the deputies from the town to the county, which runs about $6,000 annually, according to county Administrator Scott Cole.
The previous contract was for three years. Sheriff Wayne Gallant said the one-year contract allows both parties to reassess costs annually.
In 2010, Bethel residents voted to disband the Police Department and contract with the Sheriff’s Office. Rumford and Mexico are considering a similar contract with the county, and will vote on it in June.
ccrosby@sunmediagroup.net
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