Permit revenue climbs as city prepares repairs and in-house security for South Street ramp

Parking utility staff reported to the Waukesha finance committee on Oct. 16 that permit revenue is increasing following technology upgrades and that the city plans repairs and staffing changes at the South Street ramp.

Parking staff said automated license-plate readers and online permit sales have driven permit revenue higher: nine months of 2025 activity project total permit revenue near $480,000 compared with about $350,000 in the last full year when all systems were in place. “We have already brought in $360,000 on the permits for this year alone,” staff said.

Staff acknowledged user feedback on payment convenience and said they will add a short-term payment option that does not require a username and password while retaining longer-term permit features (expiration notices, account management). New ramp signage and a small contract amendment with the payment vendor are expected.

The South Street ramp will receive structural repairs this fall after bids were awarded; staff said the contract includes a likely future change order to repair vandalized glass blocks and doors. Parking enforcement and security are being reworked: staff said the security-guard roles planned for the ramp will be staffed by limited-term city employees rather than an outside contractor, a move described as both more cost-effective and providing more consistent coverage.