Hiking Parking Garage Rates Could Generate $900K in Revenue

New City Councilor Stefany Shaheen has proposed raising the rate to $1 and eliminating the first-hour free provision.

A proposal to raise the parking fee at the downtown parking garage could generate anywhere from $400,000 to $900,000, according to City Manager John Bohenko.

At a City Council meeting last month, new City Councilor Stefany Shaheen suggested raising the rate at the parking garage to $1 an hour and eliminating a provision that includes the first hour free. Currently, parking at the garage is 75 cents an hour and the first hour is free. The garage frequently closes because it fills to capacity.

Bohenko was asked to report back to the council on the impact before a vote. His report, which he was expected to present at Monday night's meeting, includes the following three revenue projections:

Option A: Eliminate the first hour fee, with the hourly rate remaining at 75 cents an hour - $400,000 in additional revenue
Option B: Increase the hourly rate from 75 cents to $1, with the first hour remaining free - $400,000 in additional revenue
Option C: Increase the hourly rate from 75 cents to $1 and eliminate the first hour free - $933,000 in additional revenue

It only takes one vote of the council to make any changes, but Bohenko suggested in his memo that the council provide a 30-day notice to residents

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