WEST VALLEY CITY - Rising fuel prices mean more out-of-pocket costs to keep the city's 200-vehicle fleet on the road this year. As city officials look to replace 40 aging vehicles in 2006, alternative fuels could factor into their vehicle selection.

That was the message to West Valley City Council Tuesday night, by Finance Director Jim Welch.

"Some departments had to spend 15 percent more on fuel this year than anticipated, so we had to ask for more money for fuel in next year's budget," Welch said before the council voted unanimously to approve the city's final 2006 budget - a hefty document that calls for an 8 percent increase in its general fund, from $49 million in 2005 to $53 million in 2006, due to increased sales-tax revenues.

"We can't stop driving, but we can look at getting better fuel efficiency," said City Manager Wayne Pyle.

The city likely will continue to replace police cars with Crown Victorias because of their sturdy frame, but other city-owned vehicles could be hybrids or run on natural gas, Pyle said.

While $1.8 million is included in the 2006 budget for employee raises, Welch cautions the raises still might not materialize, depending on how the overall economy fares. "So what we're trying to do now is strike a balance, to see if the economy continues to recover and to make some unavoidable expenditures that we have to make," Pyle said.

West Valley City 2006 budget

-- General Fund at $53 million, up from $49 million in 2005.

-- Property-tax revenue up 1.9 percent.

-- Projected sales-tax revenue up 5.4 percent.

Employee health insurance increased 2 percent.

--4 0 aging fleet vehicles will be upgraded.

-- City employees might get raises.

-- To be added: two community-oriented police officers, two code enforcement officers, two records clerks.

-- Justice Court to close Fridays starting in July to save costs.

-- Road improvements to continue on 3200 West, 6000 West, 2700 West, Charles Drive.

-- 3500 South corridor improvements a top priority.