BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week

CANTON -- The village of Canton will be contracting with Enterprise Fleet Management to provide leased vehicles for the municipality.

Village Mayor Michael Dalton said at the village board meeting July 20 that Canton would realize a savings of around $180,000 over the next ten years under the lease arrangement.

The contract allows the village to avoid having to purchase municipal vehicles outright and is similar to arrangements Enterprise has with other municipalities, including the county.

"It's a way we can keep our fleet up to date, more current. Less expensive in repairs as a result. And with the latest technology and improvements in gas mileage that come with that technology," Dalton said.

The mayor said the arrangement will also allow the village to free up its cash flow, and that the move to lease municipal vehicles is often recommended by the New York State Financial Restructuring Board.

Dalton said there are currently a couple municipal vehicles in need of replacement that would allow the village to take advantage of the new leasing arrangement with Enterprise right away.

"I think anything we can do that is proactive and fiscally thoughtful is good. And this is one of those items," said Trustee Anna Sorensen during discussion about the leasing offer.

"I think it will save the village some money. I think it's a good move for the future," said Trustee Klaus Proemm.