New downtown parking rate set at 25 cents for 10 minutes, with return of analog meters

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Downtown Parking Commission set new parking meter rates at a special-called session Tuesday morning. The new rates, 25 cents for 10 minutes, will go into effect on Monday, May 2.

The new rate coincides with the commission’s decision to return to analog parking meters, which will be reinstalled over the next month. The ParkMobile app will also go back online, alongside the meters.

Under the new rates, parking downtown will cost 25 cents for 10 minutes, with a maximum time of four hours with a total cost of $6. ParkMobile will use the same rates as meters, although with an additional convenience fee of 35 cents per transaction.

Parking commissioner Andrea Herrera told colleagues at the meeting that it was important that rates be kept consistent, reflecting old rates as much as possible until a new parking study has been conducted.

Commissioners also debated retaining the first-hour-free policy, which has been in effect for several years. However, Palmore said it is unlikely to be possible with the analog meters, which are a programmed with a certain value per quarter.

Back to analog

According to Parking Director Michael Palmore’s report to the commission, the city has 270 active ready-to-use analog meters, more than enough to replace the digital IPS readers.

Palmore told parking commissioners that the total cost of installation is estimated at $3,178 and should take approximately two weeks.

The digital IPS meters, originally purchased in 2014, will be sold to recoup some of their cost. According to city Financial Officer Laurie Matta, removing the IPS meters will save the Parking Commission $5 per month per meter in credit card communication fees.

A new study incoming

Multiple commissioners said these new rates should be seen as a temporary measure until a new parking study can be conducted.

A parking study will address such topics as the growth of downtown, the need for more parking, ways to address those needs and how to pay for those things. Such a study has not been conducted in over 15 years.

The Parking Commission is expected to begin the bidding process in the near future to decide who will conduct this study.