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Supervisors advance parking‑tax ordinance to require auditable equipment and limited amnesty
Summary
The Board’s oversight committee advanced an ordinance to require revenue control equipment outputs, consumer protections, enforcement powers for the treasurer/tax collector, and a limited 4–6 month amnesty; the committee moved an amendment of the whole and sent the measure out with a committee report.
Supervisor Chris McGoldrick introduced an ordinance to add Article 22 to the Business and Tax Regulations Code requiring parking operators to certify use of revenue control equipment (RCE) that produces auditable outputs, strengthens consumer protections, and establishes administrative and criminal penalties for violations; the ordinance also contains a limited tax‑amnesty provision.
David Augustine of the Treasurer’s Office said the measure focuses on outputs — time‑stamped receipts and journal logs auditors can use — rather than mandating a specific device. The office proposed a 4–6 month amnesty that would waive penalties but not interest and asked for a February implementation report and staff positions for enforcement. The Budget Analyst recommended release of $125,000 from reserve for implementation and a separate ordinance to add the requested positions.
Public commenters included parking‑industry representatives who warned equipment is not a panacea and urged professional audit expertise, and Teamsters and other unions who pushed for stronger enforcement, including permit revocation for repeat violators. Several operators said some existing counters cannot produce non‑resettable logs or special‑event date stamps and asked that the ordinance allow feasible alternatives or grandfather existing equipment.
Supervisors probed legal and practical enforceability. City staff and the city attorney said the draft contains authority for the treasurer/tax collector to promulgate rules, inspect and audit operators, and suspend or revoke licenses for willful violations; they also flagged risks associated with criminal misdemeanor penalties and the burden of proof in court. Committee members discussed adding auditing expertise and avoiding overly prescriptive technical requirements that would force unnecessary equipment upgrades.
After debate, Supervisor McGoldrick moved the amendment of the whole and to send the ordinance out of committee with a committee report and recommendation. The committee advanced the item for further action; staff will return with requested amendments and an implementation timeline.
