At a time when taxpayers are demanding more bang for their buck, the Hammond City Council foolishly voted against restricting take-home privileges for city vehicles.

Councilwoman Kimberly Poland proposed restrictions aimed at increasing restrictions on city vehicles, including requirements that would:

* Mandate that the council be given a list of city vehicles.

* Require council approval for purchases or lease.

* Affix all city vehicles with the city seal.

* Review usage of vehicles at budget time.

The City Council is responsible for the city's finances, but getting vehicle data wasn't easy, Poland said. "With some departments, it was like pulling teeth."

She singled out the Department of Planning & Development, which leases two 2008 Chevrolet Impalas at $380.43 a month for three years.

But there are other examples throughout the city -- and through government at all levels -- of unnecessary vehicle purchases.

The Good Government Initiative study by private consultant Maximus Inc. made a number of suggestions to reduce fleets and improve maintenance. But it doesn't take a genius to know that the taxpayers are paying for some expensive perks for government employees.

Poland noted that her constituents want to know why their tax dollars are paying for take-home vehicles.

Those citizens would have appreciated seeing city seals on city vehicles to help them more easily determine whether the vehicles are being used in the public's best interest or needlessly sucking more dollars out of the taxpayers' pockets.

Shame on the Hammond City Council for voting against restricting take-home privileges for city vehicles. Shame on other municipalities that have failed to re-examine their fleet policies.

Poland's proposal failed on a 5-4 vote. She should try again, but let Hammond residents know ahead of time so they can twist arms on the City Council so the votes line up correctly this next time.