The Clarkston Parking Committee will review revenue data from the city’s paid parking lot, especially from parking-violation citations.
“I don’t think anyone envisioned it would generate this much revenue from fines. It’s not what we voted on,” said City Council member Scott Reynolds at the March 11 meeting. “It’s crazy to me how much is happening there.”
A total of 172 citations were issued in February, also up 12 percent from January. Net revenue for the city lot at Main and Washington streets for February was $7,167, a 19 percent increase over January. A total of 1,779 vehicles paid for parking in the Washington and Main lot, a 12 percent increase from January, reported City Manager Jonathan Smith.
The city takes steps to avoid over-ticketing, Smith said.
“In February, we voided 20 tickets,” he said. “That’s just an indication we are listening to customers. If we think there is any ambiguity, any confusion, an emergency situation, they’re helping their mother who has fallen or something, anything along those lines, we don’t hesitate to void the ticket.”
However, the city will stand its ground if justified, backed up by pictures taken by the city parking enforcement officer, he said.