PORTAGE | The tighter the city's finances become, the more creative officials are going to have to be to generate additional revenue.

Councilman Richard Turnak, chairman of the ways and means committee, said one plausible way to raise a few extra dollars is getting businesses to sponsor city vehicles. In return, the businesses would get some mobile advertising on police cars and possibly even garbage trucks.

"It is just another way to rack up revenue that doesn't come from the taxpayer's pocket," said Turnak, who is exploring the idea.

The idea isn't new. Several Northwest Indiana communities have leased space on the back bumper of police vehicles to local businesses.

Crown Point was the first. There adopt-a-car program began in 1995, said Police Chief Pete Land, and it was successful. The program continued until about four years ago when a change in administration stopped it, but Land, who was reappointed chief this year, intends to revive the program.

In Crown Point, businesses sponsor a police vehicle for $1,800 for four years. They get the name of the their business labeled on the bumper of police cars in 2-inch letters. The money goes to purchase equipment for that police car.

"We don't want them to look like NASCARs. There are no logos, no coloring, just the 2-inch letters on the back," said Land, adding that last time the city embraced the program there was a waiting list of businesses to sponsor the vehicles.

Hobart and Schererville also have the program.

"It has been quite successful," said Hobart Lt. Stephen Houck.

There, businesses pay $2,000 for a four-year lease and the funds also go to purchase equipment.

Schererville Chief Dave Dowling said the idea was somewhat controversial four years ago when his community started it, but since has been accepted. He will be going back to the Police Commission to renew the program. The town also gets $2,000 for a four-year lease and use the money for equipment. In addition to the 2-inch letters, businesses also get a small logo.

Turnak said he's going to explore the idea with city department heads and fellow council members and could look beyond police vehicles.

"They do it on buses all the time. Police cars stand out, a garbage truck stands out," he said. "Everybody does it to a certain extend. It doesn't hurt to advertise a little bit. We have to be creative to find additional funding sources."

Turnak said the issue will be discussed at the next ways and means committee meeting March 6.