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During a public hearing on the proposed budget, Trustee Robert Orschel pointed out the potential vehicle purchases and mentioned that the budget also included $14,000 for part-time office staff, up from $6,000 a year ago.

"We have to justify to the people of the village two new DPW trucks, a new police SUV, and another person in the office," Orschel said. Police Chief Michael Miles is requesting a new SUV to replace a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe that has been in use by the police department since that year. The Tahoe's 9 years of service are unusually long, Miles said, as the department normally replaces vehicles after about five years of service.

He added that a SUV has a higher profile that makes people aware of its presence as well as citing the advantage of four-wheel drive.

"That guarantees that that vehicle can get to anywhere in the village on any day," Miles said.

The cost of new SUV is estimated to be around $40,000, not including the trade or resale value of the older vehicle. This is $5,000 to $6,000 more than a car, Miles said, but, "cars just don't seem to hold up as well as a truck," and maintenance costs can escalate.

According to information he gathered, trustee Chuck Schuler estimated the cost difference between a car and SUV to be closer to $10,000 and wondered whether a car would be a better option. Trustee Don Marker echoed Schuler's concerns.

"With the way the economy is, I would prefer to save us and the taxpayers, as much money as possible," Marker said.

The DPW request was similar to that of the police department.

Superintendent Ron Ridge explained that one truck, a 2001 model, had reached its service life and needed to be replaced. The other truck, a 1999 model, was for use at the waste water treatment plant and would be purchased with sewer funds. Both trucks carry an estimated $19,600 price tag.

The plant has never had a new truck, Ridge said, only hand-me-downs from other departments. He also explained that four wheel drive was necessary on the vehicle, as it would be needed to haul a portable generator anytime of the year in case of power outages. The generator is usually needed about seven to 12 times a year, he said.

Village Manager Robert Peterson told the council that he would rather see fewer quality vehicles in the villages fleet, rather than more older vehicles.

"I like to operate with the minimum number of quality vehicles to the maximum job," Peterson said.

Ridge and Miles were asked to provide the council with lists of vehicles, their uses, mileage, maintenance records and reasons they needed to be replaced at the next council meeting, scheduled for February 19.

Brian Keilen can be reached for question or comment at bkeilen@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-264-9711.