LMPD :: Louisville Metro Police Department
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Judge rules in FOP's favor. City cannot charge more for cars.

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 Judge Mitch Perry on Wednesday morning issued an injunction delaying a fee hike for Louisville Metro Police take-home cars.

That ruling could force the city to delay its plan to increase fees officers pay for those cars.

The FOP wanted the judge to block the fee hike until its lawsuit challenging the legality of fees on patrol cars was settled.

But Mayor Jerry Abramson says without the increase, the city would not be able to erase a $20 million budget deficit.

The city asked the Fraternal Order of Police lodge that represents metro police officers, which requested the injunction, to put up a bond of $1.6 million if an injunction is granted.

The bond would ensure that the city can recoup its expected losses if the fee increase is eventually found to be legal.

The FOP countered by offering a $100 bond.

Perry ordered today that the FOP post a $100 bond.

Mayoral spokeswoman Kerri Richardson released a statement on the decision, saying, "We're disappointed in the judge's ruling regarding take-home cars.  We maintain that the cars are a privilege, not a right, and the cars are not a part of the union's negotiated contract.  We will appeal the decision immediately."