EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
The Evansville City Council is hearing discussion on the city's police and fire budgets, and both include money for new vehicles.
Police want 44 new police cars, and the fire department wants more than $1 million dollars for a new combination truck and other equipment, and it appears most of the City Council is on board.
The police department is requesting $235,000 for lease payments on 30 new police cars delivered this year.
$318,000 to buy 14 vehicles, and another $252,000 to equip them with new computers and equipment.
The fire department wants $1.2 million, including $878,000 for a new combination pumper, engine, ladder truck, and $92,000 for new radios.
They also want funds to improve their health and wellness program.
Both chiefs were on hand Thursday night to highlight the need for maintaining public safety.
"When you call 911 and you've got somebody beating you or trying to kill you or God knows what, you want that car to get there quick and we need cars that can get there quick and we don't have to worry about endangering the lives of our officers or the citizens when that happens," said Police Chief Billy Bolin.
"Just like driving your own personal vehicle, there comes a point when it's not worth repairing over and over," said Fire Chief Mike Connelly. "It would be less expensive in the long run to purchase new and that's what we're looking at."
Chief Bolin says if funding is approved for the new vehicles, 40% of his fleet will still have more than 100,000 miles.
The council will hold another budget work-session Friday night.
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$318,000 to buy 14 vehicles, and another $252,000 to equip them with new computers and equipment.
