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Parking meter prices are outrageous

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By Ashley Welcher | Tuesday, August 28, 2007 12:02 AM CDT | () comments

“The parking meter prices were raised again?” This question is being asked again and again by downtown employees, frequent visitors and residents.

As of July 1, the parking meters are one dollar per hour. This is the second time in the past year that the rates of parking meters have escalated. So why are the rates going up? I spoke with the manager at the parking office. He informed me of parking ramp rates, meter rates and parking ticket rates. He explained to me that all the money goes to a parking fund, which is used to pay parking employee’s salaries, repairs to the meters, desks for their offices, etc.

Four years ago, parking tickets were three to six dollars; they are now eight to 15 dollars! How much are these employees earning, how nice are their offices, and how often are meters and ramps repaired? All of which are at my expense; eight dollars a day, $175 a month, and $2,100 a year to park my car.

One must ask if it is really necessary to pay these outrageous prices to park your car downtown. I understand there are reasons that cities charge for parking, but shouldn’t the parking fund also go to building more lots, as well as better repairs to current garages and lots?

Ashley Welcher

Eldridge