Columbia City Council passed the first reading of their proposed parking fees increase. It's supposed to increase fees by 17 million dollars over 5 years. They'll accomplish that by first off doubling the rate per hour from .75 to 1.50. They're also going to extend the time you need to pay for a meter to 9a-7p every day but Sunday. (exemption if you're near Soda City market on Sat till 2p)
They will increase the fees for garage parking but give you the first hour free.
The fines will go up as well. Fines increase from $8 to $25. Parking in a fire lane goes up from $20 currently to $500!
They also plan on replacing meters so they can't accept cash as this costs them money to transport and count. The new meters will accept cards only.
The bill has a final reading on December 3rd. If it passes again the new fines go into place 1/1/25.
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