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Council committee advances proposed fee changes: yard-waste sticker up 50¢; Uptown parking fine to double
Summary
The Committee of the Whole discussed three fee proposals for 2027 — a 4% sewer-rate increase, yard-waste bag charge from $2 to $2.50, and raising certain Uptown parking citations from $15 to $30 — and signaled no objection to moving the proposals to first reading for ordinance drafting.
Committee members discussed three proposed adjustments to city fees and penalties that the administration presented as part of its 2027 planning: sewer rates (addressed separately), an increase in yard-waste sticker/bundle charges from $2 to $2.50, and a proposal to double some Uptown parking citations from $15 to $30.
Mayor Patterson said the yard-waste program is heavily subsidized by the city and that the $0.50 increase is a modest shift toward cost recovery; administration materials said the sticker fee covers approximately 25% of program costs. On parking, Patterson argued a higher fine would deter long-stay parking that limits turnover for Uptown businesses and emphasized the need to ensure meters are functioning before changing fines. "This would increase that, to $30 for citations," he said, describing the deterrent rationale.
Council members raised operational concerns: Member Wood (voice 8) urged a longer window for post-ticket payment than the proposed 5 days; Member Swank (voice 6) emphasized the need to ensure meters are in working order and suggested 7–14 days. Auditing staff noted multiple payment channels, including online payments, that reduce mailing delays. The committee recorded no formal objections and directed the clerk to move the fee topics to first reading for ordinance consideration.
