FARMINGTON – Franklin County commissioners voted to enter into a one-year contract with Maine Pretrial Service Inc. to provide pretrial services and post-conviction alternatives, among other programs, at the jail.

The private nonprofit agency with offices around the state was the only bidder for the contract at $70,683. It’s a 1.5 percent increase over the contract the agency had with the county last year. The representative of the agency works out of a room off the lobby at the jail.

Commissioners also voted to accept an $88,134 bid for four vehicles from Quirk Ford of Augusta. The company will provide two new 2016 Explorer Interceptors and two new F-150 pickup trucks with special services packages. The amount factors in trade-ins on five vehicles. The Interceptors and one of the trucks is for the Sheriff’s Office and the second truck is for the county Emergency Management Agency.

The specifications for the vehicles were that they could either be new 2016 or 2017 vehicles, Chief Deputy Steven Lowell said.

Other bids received for the four vehicles were $98,233.08 from Farmington Ford in Farmington and $98,745 from Bailey Bros. Ford in Livermore Falls. Those quotes were on 2017 models.

After reviewing the bids, Lowell said he recommended Quirk because they will all have the same mileage and warranties, and the county can save $10,000.

Commissioners also approved a new contract from MedPro Associates in Dover-Foxcroft at the cost of $163,413.33 for medical services offered to inmates at the jail. The company had provided services during the 2015-16 year.

Commissioners approved a contract on Aug. 2 but it did not include the cost of health services provided on weekends in July. The contract Tuesday did include it. The amount was $2,534, a discounted price. The contract is retroactive to July 1 and will expire on June 30, 2017. There is a provision in the contract for renewal. The company was the lone bidder on health insurance.

Commissioners also awarded the contract to Eagers Masonry of Farmington to do masonry work at the county courthouse. The amount is $7,010 to repair a ramp that is compliant with American with Disabilities Act, the emergency exit sill, third story dormer support, and granite steps on the main entrance off the parking lot.

Greg Shaw of New Portland bid $8,050 for the masonry work.

Commissioners awarded Shaw the repair work and painting of the fascia and soffit on the south side of the courthouse where the main entrance is located. Shaw, who bid $2,320, will need to provide the county with proof of insurance.

Nick Palmer, county facilities manager, said he was surprised that only two companies bid on the projects. He had spoken to several different contractors, he said.

While the overhead work is being done, the main entrance will be closed to all for safety purposes, Palmer said.

In a personnel matter, commissioners approved moving dispatcher Marcie Martin of Temple from a temporary full-time position to permanent full-time. She was hired on Aug. 2. Current dispatcher Blaine Rackliff is leaving the Communications Center to be with his family in Montana. Martin will serve a six-month probationary period, as all new hires are required to do.

New dispatchers, Dawn Tolman of East Dixfield and Jennifer Olsson of Augusta, were also hired on Aug. 2 to fill dispatching positions.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net