ATTLEBORO - City Councilor George Ross wants the city to buy a wheelchair van for the veterans department rather than private donors who are contributing to a money drive started by a fellow councilor.

He believes it's the city's responsibility, he said.

"In a city with a $100 million budget, what is $30,000 going to do?" Ross said. "There's got to be $30,000 somewhere so we can transport our veterans with the dignity they deserve."

He said he plans to ask the council to ask Mayor Kevin Dumas for the money in the next couple of weeks. Ross, who represents Ward 2, made the statement during the announcement of his bid for re-election.

The request puts him at odds with Councilor Peter Blais, who started a donation drive for the $29,000 van a couple of months ago when a used van contributed to the veterans department failed inspection. The veterans department needs the vehicle to take old soldiers to medical appointments. Some are wheelchair-bound and have no other form of transportation.

Blais, who has collected around $8,000 so far and has fundraisers planned in conjunction with the Attleboro Elks, said he aims to continue the push for donor funding.

Mayor Kevin Dumas, who is in the process of stitching together a spending plan for fiscal year 2008 that's not likely to see huge increases for any department, said he endorses Blais' efforts to help the veterans and the city finances.

But Dumas said the city is committed to help if fundraising falls short.

"Let's see how much of the cost can be covered by community donations," he said.

Blais, who wants to finish fundraising by the end of June, said he's worried the push by Ross could discourage contributions for the van.

"This is the worthiest project that I've been involved with since I've been on the council," he said. "I don't want to see it hurt."

It's not the first time Blais has headed up an effort to find money for projects that would otherwise add financial pressure to tight city budgets.

He has led efforts to get contributions for a new Briggs Pool and the renovation of veteran memorials.

GEORGE W. RHODES can be reached at 508-236-0432 or at grhodes@thesunchronicle.com.