Binghamton councilors debated the ramps (parking) fund budget and approved removing two free-parking line items from the fee schedule while directing staff to continue work on funding and operational transitions for the downtown ramps.

At the budget hearing, staff and Laz Parking representative Pablo Escamilla reviewed 2026 assumptions for the ramps fund, including expected equipment updates, changes tied to the eventual closure or demolition of the State Street ramp and continued operations at Collier and other lots. Councilors asked about the large interfund transfer—about $800,000—that came from the general fund and was proposed to support the ramp fund; staff said the money was originally committed to the Water Street ramp and will be used to reduce the ramps fund’s near-term deficit and help with debt service.

Councilors and parking operators discussed operational details: trends toward cashless payments (staff said about 85–90% of transactions are by credit card), planned updates to kiosks and equipment, possible consolidation of multiple payment vendors, and options to streamline hours or reassign kiosk staff as State Street is removed from service. Staff said demolition planning will use previously appropriated capital funding; the demolition itself will be funded from existing capital (not the 2026 operating budget), with the city to submit the necessary paperwork when final numbers are available.

After discussion, councilors moved to remove two free-parking line items on page 209 (Collier Street free nights and weekend free-day items). The motion to remove those fee-schedule items passed on roll call, recorded as 4–0. Councilors then closed the ramps fund pages as amended; that motion also carried 4–0.

Staff and the parking operator said they will provide more complete cost details for after-hours and special-event staffing, clarify the capital plan for equipment and demolition, and continue conversations with private owners downtown (staff reported ongoing talks with Security Mutual to manage available parking stock). Councilors asked staff to compare local ramp fees to peer cities; staff said private ramp rates are typically higher and that staff had not recommended a fee increase for 2026 based on a market review.