York City detectives won't have to fight over the car keys after all.

At a special meeting Thursday, the York City Council unanimously approved a police-department contract with a local car dealership to lease 10 vehicles at a cost of $269 per month per vehicle.

The contract was first presented to the council July 17. But, after several council members questioned the need for 10 vehicles for police detectives and administrators, the council called a special meeting to drill into the details.

For example, Councilman Henry Nixon asked if the department could function with fewer vehicles.

Not really, said Chief Wes Kahley.

"Trying to share vehicles often strands people," he said.

The 10 vehicles are different from the department's 30-car fleet used by patrol officers. Leasing detective vehicles has historically helped the department keep at least a few low-maintenance vehicles in its fleet, Kahley said.

Reduced prices are allowing the city to return to its leasing budget of about 10 years ago, Kahley said. For the next five years, the city will spend about $32,000 a year to lease the detective vehicles.

Apparently satisfied with Kahley's explanation, the council unanimously approved the contract Thursday.

Resident Franklin Williams praised the council for asking questions now rather than waiting until budget season to reconsider contracts. City taxpayers can't handle more increases, he said.

"We feel like we're getting left hook, right hook, left hook, right hook," Williams said. "Who's going to hit us next?"

- Erin James may also be reached at ejames@yorkdispatch.com.