New parking fines take effect next week

The city will begin writing higher-priced parking tickets Dec. 1.

Parking in a spot longer than the allowed time will now cost drivers $25, which is $10 than the current fine.

The parking department had planned to ask for a $5 increase in September, but because commissioners decided to delay the implementation of parking meters, the department needed more revenue to keep it running.

The parking department is expected to run out of its $1 million reserve fund by the end of 2010 and could be $350,000 over budget by the end of 2011.

Other new parking fines include:

• Expired meter $35
• Parking in restricted area $35
• Parking in wrong direction $35
• Parking in loading zone $35
• Parking in fire lane $35
• Obstructing traffic $35
• Illegal parking in alley $35