Roswell is moving toward a greener fleet of city vehicles.

The city expects to purchase its first hybrid vehicle this year, and will consider more in the future if the long-term maintenance costs justify the slightly higher price.

A new purchase policy that considers life-cycle costs is expected to be considered by the City Council on July 21.

"We're doing it just as a test to see if they work for us," said Mayor Jere Wood.

City officials estimate, over the life of the vehicle, a hybrid costs about 8 to 10 percent more than a typical car, Wood said. But if gas prices keep climbing, the fuel-efficient vehicles could start to pay off.

"As the price of gas goes up, that cost will go down," Wood said.

Initially, Roswell's hybrid car might go to code enforcement or some other department, said Aaron Bovos, a deputy city administrator. The technology isn't a good fit for police, he said, who need more powerful engines.