COAL GROVE - Vacant land has turned into three vehicles.

A year ago the Village of Coal Grove fenced off an unused plot of land and created an impound lot for cars towed following traffic arrests and accidents.

A year later, village leaders said the impound lot they created has created approximately $10,000 in its first year- money that helps stretch a tight budget and provide necessities the village general fund may not be big enough to cover.

&#8220We bought three used police cruisers with some of the money,” Mayor Larry McDaniel said.

The money comes from towing fees and daily impound rates: The village charges $25 for each car towed, and $20 a day for each day the car is kept in the lot if it is not retrieved within 24 hours. After 30 days, the village applies for a salvage title, which gives officials the right to sell the car as an abandoned vehicle.

&#8220Some are wrecked, some are cars that we towed and no one came and got,” village council member Joe Ross said. The impound lot was Ross' idea.

Mayor Larry McDaniel said the village will soon auction off approximately 18 cars, and get a little more return on its investment.

&#8220We don't have a date yet, but I'm hoping to have one within the next few weeks,” McDaniel said. &#8220We just now got all the titles to the cars. We've done well with it for the first year.”

Ross emphasized the impound lot is a proactive way of raising money while sparing the taxpayers an additional burden.

&#8220This has not cost taxpayers a dime,” Ross pointed out. &#8220It is clear profit to the general fund. It's one way for the village to make money without raising fees or taxes.”

The impound lot was opened October 2004.