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Board holds first reading of 2026 parking fund budget; capital projects and fee changes highlighted
Summary
The Downtown Management Board reviewed a proposed $1.195 million 2026 parking fund budget in a first reading that includes capital work on the Park Garden lot, bike infrastructure and a potential per-hour rate increase in listed lots.
The Downtown Management Board conducted a first reading of a proposed 2026 parking fund budget, which staff presented at approximately $1,195,000. No final action was taken; board members agreed to reconvene in October for a second reading and possible approval.
Amy, the staff presenter, said the parking fund proposal is about 3.2% less than the 2025 budget, with 64% of the total budgeted for operating costs and 36% for capital projects. She identified the top revenue categories as street eaters, ParkMobile and fines and special permits. Projected 2025 year-end revenues were revised downward in staff estimates; staff attributed part of the variance to prior reporting that showed ParkMobile net revenue instead of gross revenue and to higher bank and credit-card processing charges.
Capital items listed in the proposed 2026 budget include reconstruction of the Park Garden lot and bike-infrastructure work totaling about $430,000. The presentation also noted a proposal to move downtown beautification expenses (wreaths, lights, seasonal plantings) from the programs-and-services budget into the parking fund as a place-making/beautification line item of about $30,000; combined with facade grants and a carryover grant the place-making total would be $70,000.
Board members asked whether changes to per-hour rates in specific lots (referred to in staff materials as a proposed increase from $0.25 to $0.50 in the Petrie and Park Garden lots) must go to city council. Amy said approved fee changes are handled through the budget and the city’s fee-and-fine schedule and that any adopted rate would be part of the budget process.
Committee members also discussed a late-season review of credit-card and ParkMobile transaction accounting, noting ParkMobile charges a 35-cent per-transaction fee paid by the parker. Finance staff said the city is reviewing merchant fees and processing arrangements to control bank charges.
Because several board members were unable to attend the abbreviated meeting, staff and several board members recommended waiting for a second reading and final action at the board’s October meeting. The parking budget will return to the board for further review.
