COEUR d'ALENE - The Coeur d'Alene Police Department has asked city officials for permission to use cost savings from low fuel prices to purchase an additional patrol vehicle.

In his report to the Coeur d'Alene General Services Committee, Chief Lee White wrote that his department has 11 marked police cars assigned to the Patrol Division, not including vehicles used by supervisors. There are 35 patrol officers assigned to four shifts and White wrote that he directed his staff to look for savings within the department's current budget to purchase an additional vehicle.

"In an effort to maintain enough vehicles for 24/7 patrol coverage, extra vehicles are required," White wrote. "Because fuel prices have dropped over the past few months, we feel there will be approximately $25,000 - $30,000 in fuel savings by the end of our budget year."

White added that the remaining funds needed to purchase a 2015 Ford Explorer Police SUV from Lake City Ford for $33,351 will "come from other areas of the authorized police budget."

Captain Steve Childers presented the request to Councilors Steve Adams, Ron Edinger and Amy Evans during the March 23 meeting of the general services committee. He told the committee that the department looked for a suitable vehicle at dealerships as far away as Salt Lake City and determined the Explorer available at Lake City Ford was the best fit.

The Explorer, according to White's report, is "a current model used by our department and meets all patrol vehicle requirements."

"Because the vehicle already comes equipped with some 'add-on' equipment there will be minimal build time required to have the vehicle assigned to our fleet and ready for use," White wrote.

Prior to voting on the request, Adams told Childers that he supports the acquisition, but wasn't confident with using forecasted fuel savings to purchase the vehicle.

Childers responded that the department closely examined the savings it will receive from lower fuel costs and added that "even if fuel were to rise today we are confident we are in that savings range."

The request to purchase the new patrol vehicle passed unanimously in committee. It will go before the city council for final approval during its next meeting on April 7.