The proposed budget calls for a $20 increase for the top 10 violations. The new minimum fine would be $47 and go up to $247.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio City Council is considering bumping up the fines for parking violations as part of next year’s proposed $4 billion budget, which is expected to be finalized and approved later this month.
Current fines ranging from $47 to $227 have been in place since 2009. The budget, which leaders are still deliberating over, calls for a $20 increase for the top 10 violations so the new minimum fine would be $47 and go up to $247.
Violations include overstaying the allotted time at a parking meter, parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant and infractions dealing with handicapped spots.
The City of San Antonio aims to generate more than $438,000 as a result of the increases, marking just one of many revenue changes to assist with filling a projected $173 million deficit over the next two years.
Arturo Gutierrez, who lives in San Antonio, isn’t a big fan of the proposed increases.
“Downtown’s bad. It is where you’re having to find a place to park where you’re paying 10 bucks minimum if you’re lucky, if not it’s a lot more. It’d be nicer to have areas where you can park and not have to pay these exorbitant prices I guess you could say,” Gutierrez said. “I think it is unnecessary. If the city’s having deficit problems or other issues with money where they’re trying to raise costs for tickets and things like that on parking tickets, then we shouldn’t be building something like a stadium if we’re hurting for money.”
Terry Collins doesn’t drive these days; she takes the bus to get town. She’s all for the hike in parking violation fines.
“How you gonna be in the right when you in the wrong?” Collins said. “I see people park in handicap spaces and when they get their fine or ticket they want to fuss about it. I feel like they should get what they deserve.”
City Council must approve the budget by end of September. Any parking fine increases included in the budget would take effect in October.
To review the entire proposed budget, go here.