CHESTERVILLE — Selectmen agreed Thursday by consensus to stay with their $500 counteroffer made to U.S. Bank regarding the town’s buyout of two photocopiers.

In September, residents at a special town meeting voted not to ratify a six-year lease for two photocopiers. Selectmen entered the lease three years ago but did not have voters ratify it. The contract was $160 per month for six years, for a total of about $12,000.

In December, a letter from U.S. Bank, financier for the copiers contracted through Transco, offered the town a payoff of $2,656. The town would keep the two photocopiers.

At that time, selectmen suggested having town attorney Frank Underkuffler submit a counteroffer of $500. 

A letter from Underkuffler said similar photocopiers cost $6,100 new or $1,500 refurbished. Transco estimated the value of the first photocopier at $2,500 to $3,000. Underkuffler’s assistant determined prices on refurbished photocopiers began at $1,500. He suggested a counteroffer of $1,750.

Selectman Tiffany Estabrook said the contract was entered illegally.

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The town has already paid the value of the copier, resident Kathy Gregory said.

Selectman Tyler Jenness said selectmen had agreed to $500 two weeks ago. Selectman Matt Welch will let Underkuffler know the board’s decision.

Any amount agreed upon must go before voters at the annual town meeting in March.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net

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