Sep 25, 2008 2 min read

Dave Madison, CYS director, said the office has three Jeep Cherokees with high mileage that need to be replaced. He said that, because of hiring additional staff, a fourth vehicle is needed, as well. Madison said he is seeking to lease either SUVs or crossover-type vehicles to replace the Jeeps.

Madison said each of the three vehicles have more than 80,000 miles on them. He said the vehicles were leased for three years and were each purchased for $12,000 at the end of the lease term.

Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites said he doesn’t want to compromise safety, but suggested using vehicles other than SUVs because of high gasoline prices.

“SUVs are very poor on gas,” Vicites said.

Madison said personally he would like to go with hybrids, but they are impractical at this time because of the high costs of replacing batteries for them.

Madison said he would be willing to go with three Ford Explorers and one car, but said SUVs are needed to ensure caseworkers can reach all areas of the county in all weather conditions.

The commissioners voted to place a motion on today’s agenda to lease the vehicles for CYS.

The commissioners also voted to place a motion on today’s agenda for new foster home board rates, marking the first increase in four years. The new rates include $17 a day for children up to age 12; $20.40 a day for children ages 13 to 15 and $27.40 a day for children ages 16 to 21.

The clothing rates will remain the same with $45 a month for children up to age 12; $60 a month for children ages 13 to 15 and $75 a month for children ages 16 to 21.

The commissioners also are expected to take action today to hire employees in the offices of Mental Health/Mental Retardation; Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation; emergency management agency/911; CYS and veterans affairs.

The commissioners announced that as a way to observe September as “Hunger Action Month,” FACT buses will be accepting non-perishable food items as one-way fares on the seven local fixed routes on Friday.