PARIS — Oxford County commissioners Tuesday approved the purchase of five new pickup trucks for the Sheriff’s Office and heard of the possibility of obtaining government surplus boats and an armor-plated vehicle.

Chief Deputy Hart Daley said it’s expected the office will have an opportunity to get two 16-foot, flat-bottom boats capable of maneuvering in as little as 6 inches of water. He said they would be suitable for search, rescue and recovery operations.

Trailers are available when needed, he said. The boats would be stored by the Bethel Fire Department.

The Sheriff’s Office is also looking into acquiring a surplus military mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle with heavy metal armor. With heavy armor plating and thick windows, it could be “a valuable tool” to protect law enforcement personnel in situations such as armed standoffs, Daley said.

“It’s a defensive piece of equipment,” he said.

Daley said government sanctions regarding nonmilitary ownership and use of the vehicles have been lifted.

County Administrator Scott G. Cole said it’s appropriate to bring the issue to commissioners because of their financial responsibilities.

Commission Chairman David A. Duguay of Byron asked if thought had been given to developing a policy for deploying an armor-plated vehicle.

“Absolutely,” Daley said.

In other business, commissioners:

* Approved purchase for five new pickup trucks for the low bid of $130,046 from Bessey Motor Sales in South Paris. Daley said delivery is expected by May 1.

* Approved hiring Michael Fitzmorris of Bryant Pond and James McLamb of Bethel as part-time deputies, effective by the end of the week.

* Approved a tax anticipation note for $2.6 million.

* Approved a $2,500 reimbursement to Bosebuck Mountain Riders for snowmobile trail grooming, labor and equipment in unorganized territory in northern Oxford County.