Associated Press - November 7, 2009 1:05 PM ET

POWELL, Wyo. (AP) - Park County commissioners are criticizing Park County Sheriff Scott Steward for buying six SUVs from New Jersey without first taking local bids.

Commissioners say they should have been consulted and that local auto dealers were harmed.

But Steward says the purchase saved money for taxpayers and the vehicles are needed for public safety.

Steward says he was able to buy six Dodge Durangos for $23,098 each from Warnock Motors in East Hanover, N.J.

He says that in 2006 the sheriff's department paid about $27,000 per SUV after bidding locally.

Commissioners cited Park County's vehicle policy that vehicles should be purchased from dealers in Park County when possible.

Information from: Powell Tribune - Powell, http://www.powelltribune.com

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