Arlington Heights approves hybrid purchases

Despite the objections of some trustees, the Arlington Heights village board on Monday approved spending about $85,000 to buy four hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles.

"We're supposed to work toward becoming greener," said Trustee Helen Jensen before voting in favor of the idea. "We owe this to our citizens."

The board voted 5-3 to buy the four cars - two for the health department and two for the building department. Village President Arlene Mulder voted for the motion along with Jensen and Trustees Tom Hayes, Virginia Kucera, and Tom Stengren. Trustees Joe Farwell, John Scaletta and Norm Breyer voted against the motion.

Scaletta couldn't support spending more money for vehicles in today's tough economic climate.

"If it was a different time and a different economy, maybe," Scaletta said. "I don't think our residents will think less of us for not buying these. It's just not the right time."

Breyer agreed with Scaletta.

"Sometimes we do things in the name of the environment or because it's politically correct and it doesn't make economic sense," Breyer said.

Public Works Director Scott Shirley acknowledged hybrids do come with some unknowns.

"What will the resale of these cars be? I have no idea," he said. "Will the batteries last six years or 12 years? I don't know. The cars just haven't been around long enough."

A Prius car battery costs about $5,000, Shirley said.

Village Manager Bill Dixon said each hybrid car will save the village about $600 per year in fuel costs.

"The question is do we want to be a leader or a follower?" Dixon said. "Historically, Arlington Heights has been a leader. This is a big issue. We should be a leader."