GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — The city of Greensboro is a step closer to having a horse-mounted patrol unit, thanks to an annual contribution from a nonprofit group.

The News & Record of Greensboro reported Tuesday that Downtown Greensboro Inc. has agreed to provide $25,000 a year to pay for the upkeep of the horses, including veterinary care. City Manager Mitchell Johnson says the contribution would allow the city to pay for the patrol, which it first considered two years ago but decided it couldn’t afford.

One estimate says the city’s share of the startup costs might be $250,000. But city officials say federal forfeiture funds can be used for some of the costs, such as the purchase of the horses.

Johnson says the unit may be ready to patrol by the end of the year. Four officers would be reassigned to work with the horses.