The Piedmont City Council unanimously voted during a called meeting Monday to purchase two surplus vehicles from the state for the police department.

Mayor Rick Freeman says the patrol vehicles are desperately needed.

They will replace cars that are 10-years old and are costing the city money just to keep on the roads.

The 2008 Dodge Charger cost 9-thousand 800 dollars while the 2010 Charger is 11-thousand 900 dollars.

Freeman says purchasing police cars was not a priority for the city over the past 12 years, mostly as an effort to save money, but not it’s catching up with them.

Police Chief Steven Tidwell says the cost of the surplus vehicles will mostly be covered through the sale of surplus vehicles and vehicles that have been seized.

Tidwell says the purchase approved by the council Monday will serve as a “Band-Aid” until more vehicles can be bought.

He hopes to purchase two new ones later this year and two additional ones next year and that will totally replace the six problem vehicles.

Mayor Freeman says the city if looking at grant programs through the state to help purchase new police vehicles.