BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Jefferson County Commission agreed to change the way it replaces vehicles by switching to a lease-purchase system, according to the Birmingham News. The new system will supposedly spread out the cost of the vehicles.

With the new change, the Alabama county is forced to budget for new vehicles and to stop commissioners from postponing fleet purchases that drive up the cost of maintenance of an aging fleet. Passenger vehicles and heavy equipment are only affected by the change.

Approximately $19 million worth of vehicles are to be replaced by the county in the current budgeted year. With the new plan approved, the county will make annual payments of $3.2 million a year to cover the principal and interest. Currently, the county has about 416 cars and trucks that fall under the criteria for replacement.