According to village of Mamaroneck officials, metered parking rates around the village are slated for price increases following the introduction of new modern meters.
The impetus behind such rate increases will offset credit processing fees, which are attached to the new meters being piloted in the village’s business district along Mamaroneck Avenue and parking lots in the vicinity that accept the use of cards.
Village Manager Richard Slingerland said that whether the village opts for single-space or multi-space meters in the end, rate increases are inevitable.
“Whether we go with one or the other, we’re going to have charges for credit processing,” he said. “We’re going to have to increase our rates villagewide to cover all of those additional expenses.”
Which type of meter would yield the largest increase also remains to be seen, according to the village manager. “We’re doing all the calculations and rates now,” he said.
Though the increases may be imminent, the village has yet to officially propose a specific rate hike. Increases totaling a quarter were suggested during a recent work session of the village board.
Slingerland said the rate increase will be substantial enough to offset a potential village revenue loss as a result of installing new meters.
According to Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, the village board will also hear the opinions of the Chamber of Commerce and other volunteer village boards and commissions in the months to come. In the end, however, the final decision will come from the Board of Trustees, the mayor said.
The village is currently in the midst of a trial run using both multi-space and single-space meters. Data will be collected and analyzed to help board members make a final decision on which meters to implement, according to a recent resolution passed by the village board
The discussion of increased meter rates has come in preparation of the imminent budget season which will begin in March.
No rate increases will be instituted until then, according to Slingerland. He said the increases will likely be all at once, when they do come in.
