Missoula discusses parking rate and fine increases

MISSOULA, Mont. – The Missoula Parking Commission held a meeting today in Downtown Missoula where they approved of changes to parking rates and fines. These changes include a 10% increase in lease rates and a rise in residential rates from $45 to $65.

The commission also introduced a new ordinance to amend the Missoula Municipal Code, which would increase penalties for parking violations. The goal is to improve utilization and recover costs. The proposed changes were discussed at the meeting.

The ordinance suggests that meter and overtime violations would double, improper parking violations would increase by $20 per offense, and disabled parking violations on public or private property would be set at $100.

Jodi Pilgrim, the Parking Services Director, explained reasoning behind the proposed rate increases. "Parking resources are finite... We have a small number of spaces that we are charged with managing and in order to manage those we have to charge a rate that allows for turnover that allows for multiple users and user types to have access to parking in the Downtown," Pilgrim said.

Pilgrim emphasized that the increased fines are aimed at repeat offenders, not those who make a one-time mistake. During the meeting, there was a public comment period where community members expressed their concerns about the lease rates and residential increases in the University District.

One community member shared their frustration, "It's very frustrating for me not to be able to park in front of my house but it's also very frustrating to pay to park in front of my house when I pay enormous property taxes."

Another comment highlighted the challenges faced by Courthouse employees, "We are constantly understaffed and trying to convince folks to come work for us when we can't guarantee a parking spot or ensure that one sense of safety.... It makes our jobs very difficult."

Pilgrim stated her intention to be transparent with the public, ensuring that any fine increases do not come as a surprise. The recommendations from the Parking Commission will now move to the Missoula City Council for a vote in early May.