COSTA MESA

Placing advertisements on city vehicles could raise as much as $60,000--money that could be given to youth groups, nonprofit organizations or other causes, City Manager Allan L. Roeder told the City Council last week. In a time of increasing public expectations and firm limitations on tax rates, Roeder said he thought the idea deserved some looking into.

Council members said they were interested in the program but wanted to make sure local businesses would get first dibs at advertising. Councilwoman Heather K. Somers said she didn’t want city vehicles to end up looking like racing cars, but she was assured that signs would be limited to the rear of vehicles.