Cash-strapped cities across the country are signing deals to get police cars for $1 each in exchange for allowing NASCAR-style advertisements to be tattooed all over the cruisers.

Cities hit hard by the recession and post September 11 travel lulls are jumping at the deal pushed by a Charlotte, NC, company, USA Today reported. Since May, more than 20 cities have signed contracts for the highly visible cars, and more than 200 others are interested.

Public entities and advertisers have schmoozed for years. But now, the pitching extends everywhere. San Diego reportedly is mulling over letting General Motors put ads on lifeguard towers in exchange for 35 free cars. St. Charles, MO, voted in September to rent ad space on its trash-collection trucks. And Biggs, CA, is considering an offer from the California Milk Processor Board to change its name to Got Milk?, CA, for a "meaningful contribution."

Sam Slay, police chief of Springfield, FL, initially struggled with the idea of ads on cruisers but signed up. "Sometimes you have to set your preferences aside for the principle, and we need these cars," he told the newspaper.

The Panama City suburb is hoping for 15 Ford Crown Victorias worth $24,000 each. Advertising fees would pay for the cars and three years of maintenance.

Ken Allison, a partner with Government Acquisitions LLC of Charlotte, says the first car delivery is three to six months away. He says the company will solicit ads from national and local companies - "even the local bail bondsman, or an attorney's office."