A report presented during the town’s Jan. 11 general committee meeting outlined a parking analysis completed by staff last year. It noted parking expenses related to ground maintenance increased to $45,653 in 2009 from $37,730 in 2006, an increase of 20 per cent.
At the same time, expenses related to coin processing have increased by 12 per cent since 2006 – to $5,072 from $4,536. These increases, noted the report, have forced staff to find alternate forms of revenue.
In the report, clerk Andrea Fay said meter revenue for the 350 metered parking spots downtown has decreased by about 11 per cent since 2006. She said a review of other area municipalities shows Midland’s current rate of 50 cents per hour is considerably lower.
“Staff recommends that the hourly meter rate be increased to 75 cents,” she stated.
The report also urged council to:
• change the number of permit spaces in various municipal lots;
• provide summer permit parking passes;
• consider the installation of pay-and-display machines within specific lots for a trial period;
• increase set fines.
Fay also noted ticket revenues have decreased by 125 per cent since 2006.
“In an effort to increase parking ticket revenue and deter people from parking at expired meters and parking over posted time limits within municipal lots, staff recommends the set fines be increased to $20 (for voluntary payment within seven days) and $30 (for set fines).”
Mayor Jim Downer said he believes the change in rates and fines will increase revenue without hurting business in the downtown core.
CAO Ted Walker pointed out the town has to be mindful it doesn’t allow parking fees and fines to slip too far behind, which would ultimately result in one large increase in the future.
“I think the rate increases proposed are on the reserved side,” he said. “It’s the first step towards recovering (capital and operating) revenue.”
nmillion@simcoe.com
