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Port Jefferson trustees table vote on year‑round $1.50 parking rate after business briefing requested
Summary
Trustees delayed adoption of a year‑round $1.50 per‑hour metered parking rate after extended debate and a request from business district representatives to present alternative, tiered pricing scenarios. The board will revisit the matter after a presentation and additional budget work by staff and the Budget & Finance Committee.
The Port Jefferson Board of Trustees on July 8 voted to table a resolution to set a year‑round metered parking rate of $1.50 per hour, saying more data and a business‑district presentation are needed before adopting a permanent change.
Mayor Shepro introduced Resolution 77826, which Budget & Finance recommended adopting as an immediate, one‑year measure to stabilize revenue. Treasurer Steven Gafka provided revenue and parking‑transaction figures: “June, the exact revenue was a $163,010.75 for June,” Gafka said, and reported 25,889 transactions for the month. James, a presenter representing business interests, argued a tiered structure (for example $1 for the first hour, $5 for a three‑hour block, $10 all‑day) might bring in more revenue by encouraging short visits and offering alternatives for longer stays.
Trustee Franco and other trustees said they wanted the businesses to present their analysis in a work session before the board makes a final decision. Trustee Franco told the board he had met with several village vendors and asked that they be given a chance to present proposed alternatives at a future work session. James agreed to return to present detailed scenarios.
Opponents of immediate adoption cited the potential for a recurring budget shortfall. One trustee said the $1.50 proposal could create “a $300,000 hole in next year’s budget” unless the board identifies recurring revenue to close it. Supporters pointed to one‑time adjustments and Budget & Finance modeling that made the resolution viable for the coming year but not necessarily sustainable without follow‑up actions; the committee’s memo, read into the record, stated the proposal relies on one‑time reductions and recommended identifying recurring revenue to close future gaps.
After extended discussion about revenue projections, potential impacts on merchants and parking behavior, and whether a tiered system could produce comparable receipts, Trustee Snaden suggested a special session of the Budget & Finance Committee to examine revenue options. The board approved a motion to table the resolution and invited James to present next month. There was no final vote on the underlying rate.
The board asked Treasurer Gafka to supply additional scenario work and follow up materials for the next meeting. The issue will return to the board after the business presentation and further budget committee review.
