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.

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