Syracuse council OKs deal to pay for police cars

SYRACUSE -- The city council voted has unanimously to formalize a lease-purchase agreement with Zions Bank to pay for new police vehicles.

The agreement helps finance the potential purchase of 10 hybrid vehicles put into use this fiscal year by the Syracuse Police Department. The lease program costs approximately the same amount as the city has been budgeting to replace three police cars each year, said Stephen Marshall, city finance director.

Chief Brian Wallace said it would cost approximately $111,000 to buy three new hybrid vehicles and equip them properly.

The leasing program is expected to cost the city approximately $115,390 and lead to a safer fleet with lower maintenance costs.