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Board opens top two decks of Exchange Street garage to free parking, rejects amendment to make Central Avenue the only paid corridor
Summary
The Hot Springs Board adopted Ordinance O‑26‑29 to make the top two open-air levels of the Exchange Street parking garage (about 80 spaces) complimentary and unmetered; an amendment that would have limited paid parking to Central Avenue only failed in a roll-call vote.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors on Aug. 4 adopted Ordinance O‑26‑29 to convert the top two levels of the Exchange Street parking garage to free, unmetered parking.
Deputy City Manager Lance Spicer told the board the change affects roughly 80 spaces and is a response to occupancy data showing underutilized capacity. "Transitioning the top 2 levels ... to free parking, unmetered, unregulated free parking," Spicer said during his staff report, adding the change is first‑come, first‑served and that a 24‑hour maximum stay will remain to prevent long‑term storage of vehicles.
The ordinance amends Hot Springs Code sections 10‑7‑2 and 13‑4‑2.3 and includes minor technical corrections to signage and restroom hours. City Manager Bill highlighted revenue tracking and the parking fund’s recent monthly averages as part of a longer plan to establish a stable revenue stream for future parking investments.
Resident Tyler Draper of District 5 urged the board to approve the change, saying it is a "great idea, great compromise" because the upper floors are underused and would provide relief for downtown employees.
Director Dudley Webb proposed an amendment to reverse much of downtown paid parking: make paid parking apply only to Central Avenue (the primary, higher‑rate corridor) and make all secondary paid spaces free. Webb framed the amendment as relief for downtown businesses and employees; Director Beard seconded the motion.
The board debated the amendment at length, with concerns raised about the effect on the city’s ability to demonstrate a reliable revenue stream — a key element if the city later pursues bonds or a public‑private partnership to build parking. On the amendment roll call, Directors Beard, Webb and Garcia voted aye; Directors Dobbs Smith, Trustee, Holliday and Mayor Pat McCabe voted no. The amendment failed.
The board then voted on the original ordinance as presented and adopted it by roll call: Beard, Dobbs Smith, Webb, Garcia, Trustee, Holliday and Mayor McCabe all voted aye.
The ordinance takes effect per municipal procedures and staff said they will monitor usage, enforcement (8 a.m.–6 p.m. enforcement hours for paid levels) and signage. The city also plans minor facility maintenance including lighting improvements and regular cleaning.
