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Abilene council weighs trial of ParkMobile paid parking for two new downtown lots
Summary
City staff presented a ParkMobile pay‑by‑phone pilot for two newly opened downtown lots to increase turnover and generate revenue for streetscape and maintenance. Council asked staff to do more stakeholder outreach and return with an ordinance and phased implementation plan.
City staff asked council whether to pilot a ParkMobile pay‑by‑phone program on two newly opened downtown lots as a way to improve turnover, reduce long‑term merchant complaints about all‑day parking by employees and create a revenue stream for downtown upkeep.
The proposed program: Staff described an off‑the‑shelf solution using the ParkMobile vendor: drivers would scan a QR code or search a zone, pay by credit card and receive automatic expiry warnings on their phone; signs and initial installation would be provided by the vendor. Staff said the vendor charges per transaction (a fee passed to the user) and manages disputes so city staff do not handle transactions. A typical daily rate model was illustrated (daily cap ~$20 to align with nearby hotel daily parking); staff recommended keeping two lots free permanently and pilot the paid system on two other lots.
Concerns and conditions: Council members and downtown stakeholders raised concerns that paid parking could discourage customers and raise employee parking costs for downtown businesses. Several councilors suggested a two‑hour free grace period and a discounted monthly employee or business validation option through the vendor; staff noted ParkMobile offers business monthly plans and validation/paid‑by‑merchant schemes. Council also requested outreach to the Downtown Association and nearby businesses and asked staff to return with revenue estimates, enforcement details, accessibility/analog payment options (for users without smartphones) and a phased timeline.
Outcome: Council supported further study and stakeholder engagement and asked staff to return with an ordinance, vendor contract terms, revenue estimates and an outreach plan. Staff said the pilot could be phased to start only on the two new lots and that free two‑hour periods could match on‑street limits to avoid deterring short‑term visits.
No formal vote was taken at the workshop.
