Council overrides mayor’s car veto

GIRARD — City council voted 7-0 to override the mayor’s veto in the latest chapter in the controversy over the city’s police cruisers.

On Monday, council members reaffirmed the legislation, originally passed Feb. 11, that would allow for the purchase of six new police cars at a total cost of up to $150,000. Police have been complaining about brake failures and gas leaks with the current fleet of 12, purchased in 1992.

Meanwhile, Mayor James Melfi isn’t ready to concede his position that the city should limit itself to three vehicles. The mayor said he will not allow the measure to pass through the city’s board of control, which has final say on expenditures. Melfi is one of two voting members on that board. Melfi said he is allied with the other voting member — the city’s safety services director — on this issue.

The mayor said he is concerned about the city’s finances after its largest employer, Indalex Aluminum Solutions, announced it may close this year. Girard began this year with a positive balance for the first time in nine years.