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Council hears letter about cash parking payments; staff says vendor can accommodate cash with notice
Summary
A letter to council raised concerns that downtown parking enforcement requires a smartphone app; city staff said the parking vendor can accept cash payments if customers contact the vendor in advance or use other accommodations, and council members asked staff to explore easier on-site cash options.
Council members discussed a letter about downtown parking that said customers must use a smartphone app to pay; the letter noted a state law requiring acceptance of cash payments was raised by the writer.
City Manager Troy said the parking vendor (referred to in the meeting as Diamond) can accommodate cash payments if customers make arrangements ahead of time, including calling the vendor'a process that may not be convenient during short parking stays. Troy said the cited state legislation applied mainly to state agencies and did not automatically require local governments to accept cash at every pay station.
Council members urged staff to explore more customer-friendly cash options. One council member recommended reinstating some physical drop boxes or a simple pay envelope system so people without smartphones can drop a note and cash with their license and space number. Troy said the downtown association and vendor were aware of the issue and staff would continue to work on practical accommodations, including accepting checks by mail if needed.
No formal action was taken; council asked staff to follow up and report on more accessible cash-payment options for on-street and lot parking.
