Hike in parking fines on Urbana council's agenda
URBANA – City council members Monday night will consider increases in parking fines aimed at raising $100,000 a year for Urbana's cash-strapped budget.
The council will meet at 7 p.m. at the Urbana City Council chambers, 400 S. Vine St., U.
The only other item on the agenda requiring council action is the appointment of Kim L. Smith, an architect with Smith/Burgett Architects of Urbana, to the Urbana Historic Preservation Commission.
The council also will hear a report on the metropolitan transportation plan for the next 25 years.
Urbana has not raised its parking meter fines since 2001. Its fines are lower than those in Champaign and within the University of Illinois' jurisdiction.
The ordinance revisions include a graduated schedule of fines, with increased fines for repeat violations. For example, the first offense in Urbana's downtown district will result in a "courtesy" ticket with no fine. A second offense would bring a $10 ticket ($15 if paid after seven days). A third offense would result in a $15 ticket ($20 if paid after seven days).
Within the campus and hospital districts, a first offense would bring a $10 fine ($15 if paid after seven days). Second offenses would result in a $15 fine ($20 if paid after seven days). And third offenses would yield a $20 fine ($25 if paid after seven days).
Revenue from parking tickets has dropped appreciably in the city over the last five years, according to a report to the council. In fiscal year 2009 it was $439,638. Five years earlier it was $587,269.
But the number of tickets issued also has dropped significantly – from 52,639 in fiscal year 2004 to 36,868 last year.
Also on this date
- Deputies looking into apparent Mahomet area death
- Two arrested for almost 1,500 pounds of marijuana in truck
- Man dies when car goes into pond along I-57 near Tuscola
- Coroner identifies body of Mahomet woman
- Fire in Mahomet only a training exercise
- Car hits tree in northeast Champaign County
- Pumpkins flung far in fundraiser for schools foundation
- Road repairs will cause traffic disruptions in Urbana
- Champaign council to review apartment building plans
- Obituaries