Last night (Monday) the Astoria
City Council heard a proposal to raise fines for parking infractions in the
city. Police and finance staff
recommended simplifying the fee structure and bringing rates more in line with
those in other municipalities. Currently
the base rate for a parking infraction in Astoria
is five dollars, with a maximum fine of twenty five dollars. The proposal would double the base rate, with
a new maximum of fifty dollars.
Penalties would include an additional twenty dollars for failure to
respond to a courtesy letter, and a one hundred dollar fee if a warrant is
served.
City Manager Paul Benoit
assured the council that adequate notice will be provided and public comment
will be taken before any changes are made.
Council member Peter Roscoe,
also a business owner in the city, commented the current five dollar ticket is
not much of a deterrent to parking overtime.
In a memorandum, City Manager Benoit indicated
the proposed increases are modest, but will help deter parking abuses in the
downtown area.
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