Commission tables parking fee changes after debate over hourly minimums and annual pass pricing

City staff proposed a set of parking changes that would increase hourly beach parking from $2.50 to $3.50, raise the citation fee from $25 to $40, add a $10 processing fee for certain citation waivers, and adjust annual pass pricing (including a proposed veterans discount). The commission tabled the proposal after a lengthy discussion and asked staff to return with more detailed comparisons and options.

Ted Louis Jacques, compliance manager for parking services, said the changes aim to reduce long‑stay parking that undercuts daily‑max revenue, encourage turnover, and offset vendor processing costs for citation waivers. He noted the city’s current parking rates were among the county’s lowest and presented a proposal to create a 2‑hour minimum with hourly increments thereafter and an annual resident pass priced at $65 (with a $50 veterans discount) and $200 for non‑residents at boat ramps.

Commissioners questioned the proposal’s 2‑hour minimum, expressing concern it would prevent legitimate short beach visits. Several commissioners also asked for a re‑examination of the annual boat‑ramp pass, which was raised during COVID and is currently $200 for Florida residents; one commissioner asked staff to study returning that pass to $100 and present a regional comparison of boat‑ramp pricing and annual permit availability.

After discussion the commission voted to table the item and asked staff to return with additional analysis on pass pricing, the number of annual passes available per facility, and the effect of a 1‑hour versus 2‑hour minimum on residents. The body also asked staff to model the revenue impact and any equity consequences of the proposed increases before taking a final vote.