PETERSHAM — The town’s police department will soon be getting a pair of new cruisers.

Voters passed a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion at a Special Election held on Monday Aug. 14, allowing for the borrowing of $100,000 to pay for a bond to purchase two new and equipped police cruisers, according to information posted by the town clerk’s office.

The ballot question was the only one voted on at Monday’s election, with 66 for the funding and 36 against. According to the town clerk’s office, 102 of the town’s 1,067 registered voters made it to the polls, approximately 9%. As a result of the vote, residents will see a small tax increase until the bond is paid off.

Petersham Police Chief Peter Buck said he is excited and grateful to the town for supporting the ballot question.

“We’re thankful, and thankful to work in such a great community,” he said.

The department currently has three vehicles, two of which need to be replaced. One is an SUV with what the chief referred to as “significant mechanical issues.” The second vehicle is a pickup truck that, while useful for many purposes, isn’t suitable for patrols or responding to calls, said Buck. Two four-wheeled-drive SUVs will be purchased and equipped. The chief said these will be ideal on the town’s dirt roads or traversing wooded areas.

“We will work with several vendors who provided us with quotes and will look for the best price, and same thing with all the equipment,” Buck said. “We will make budget-conscious decisions.”

The Special Election was held following April’s Town Meeting, where voters almost unanimously approved an article asking to borrow $100,000 for the cruisers.

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-930-4074 or mbowen@recorder.com.

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