City Council To Consider Parking Issues Meters Could Make A Comeback; Rates Also Could Be Increased

Shoppers headed for downtown Spokane had better bring along spare change because parking meters could be making a comeback.

Tonight, the City Council will consider bringing back the 300 meters taken out two years ago - as well as raising the rates charged for parking at the curb.

The proposal is part of a larger plan known as the Parking and Business Improvement Area, a taxing district aimed at revitalizing downtown by making it safer, more convenient and more accessible.

Along with bringing parking meters back, rates could be increased. The city is proposing raising hourly rates from 30 cents to 75 cents in the core area and from 30 cents to 50 cents in the outlying area.

Fifteen-minute meters could jump from 10 cents to 25 cents.

If the plan is passed, free two-hour on-street parking no longer would be allowed in most parts of downtown. That free parking would be replaced with a mix of one-hour and 100-minute paid spots.

Also tonight, the council will consider:

Two proposed contracts totaling $200,000 with the Downtown Spokane Partnership, the group that pushed for the parking improvement area.

These contracts would pay the city’s assessments for increased maintenance and security costs in the improvement area.

A voluntary severance plan for city employees.

The plan is part of a larger proposal to cut back on salary costs in light of city budget problems. The proposal would give employees the option of quitting in return for paid vacation time, with the amount they would receive dependent on their number of years of service.

To qualify, an employee must state on the application form how that job might be divided among other employees or done away with altogether.

A question-and-answer session for residents will begin at 3 p.m. in the council briefing room on the lower level of City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. The council briefing will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the same location.

The regular meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

, DataTimes