ATLANTA -- Atlanta officials are defending the purchase of some expensive public toilets.

Officials installed five self-cleaning toilets around the city at a cost of $1.5 million to help the city’s homeless and others who need a public restroom.

The toilets look like elevators, and the doors will open if they sense there's someone outside who is not moving or is leaning against the door.

The toilet seat is automatically washed, disinfected and dried after each use. The toilets include warming devices for water and dispensers which issue toilet paper automatically.

But residents are questioning the purchase and installation of the expensive toilets during an economic downturn.

City Council President Lisa Borders said the toilets were not paid for by the taxpayers.

“These are Atlanta Development Authority dollars, which was a grant,” Borders said Thursday. “These are totally separate and distinct dollars from the general fund dollars in the city of Atlanta.”

While most of the city’s homeless opportunity fund is spent on housing and shelter, Borders said she believes the toilets are a good use of grant money.

“Do you think they are serving the intended purpose?” asked CBS 46 reporter Joanna Massee.

“Absolutely,” Borders answered. “We were questioned many times about why we didn't have this type of service and facility in the city, not only for those who didn't have homes of their own, but for tourists.”

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