By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn never thought much about using hybrid vehicles for road patrols.
“I always thought of hybrids for in-town driving,” Wasylyshyn told the Wood County Commissioners this morning.
But the sheriff’s perspective on hybrids changed when Commissioner Craig LaHote asked about the vehicles, when Lt. Rod Konrad researched the cost savings, and when the county garage staff recommended the change.
Wasylyshyn also learned that across the nation, law enforcement agencies are increasingly adding hybrids to their fleets. Two years ago, about 5% of new police vehicles purchased were hybrids. Last year, that number climbed to 30%, he said.
Konrad explained that the purchase price to go hybrid will be about $3,200 more per vehicle. However, the savings in gas expenses would quickly pay off the difference, he said.
“They will save quite a bit of money in gas,” Konrad said.
Depending on the cost of fuel, the hybrid vehicles should pay off the higher price tag within two years.
“It could be quicker than that,” Konrad said.
Current sheriff’s vehicles average 16 miles per gallon. The hybrids average about 24 miles per gallon, according to other local law enforcement agencies that are already using them.
“The cost savings is definitely there,” the sheriff said.
The vehicles would not have to be plugged in, but are charged off their engines.
The question remains, however, of how the hybrids will function over time and many miles. The sheriff’s office normally gets 160,000 to 170,000 miles out of vehicles before they are replaced, Wasylyshyn said.
Bowling Green Police Division currently has two hybrid cruisers and more are being ordered this year.
The county has already budgeted $30,000 each for six new sheriff’s vehicles this year.
“If you all are willing to take a chance, we’re willing to take a chance” on hybrid vehicles, Wasylyshyn said to the county commissioners this morning.
The commissioners were game.
“The paybacks are a lot quicker,” LaHote said.
“It’s a good deal,” said Commissioner Doris Herringshaw, who added that the move to hybrid vehicles is also environmentally sound.
“It’s the right thing to do and it saves the county money,” Wasylyshyn said.
