Aug. 26, 2026
In Wednesday’s Daily Scoop, we asked, “How do you think the city should make up for the lost parking revenue?” following the city’s decision to end its paid parking program. Here’s what readers told us.
Michael Bell writes:
“Institute paid parking at Main Beach and other city beach access points, exempting city taxpayers with annual car stickers. Sell the municipal golf course to a private developer. It is not core to the city’s mission and taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize it. Privatize the marina and expand much of it to the north one block where it won’t silt in every few years.”
DeAnn Christensen writes:
“Continue paid parking if you need the revenue, do not make up revenue in property taxes. Increase sales taxes on food and alcohol for revenue if need be, or discontinue the shopping wharf project expense under consideration.”
Alan Ainsworth writes:
“I feel it was a very good idea to do away with the paid parking meters. The locals were never for this, and the decrease in business traffic over the past six months and more is proof of that. There are so many vacant lots in the downtown area that could be turned into a multilevel parking garage. Charge users $5 to park there. Don’t get greedy and charge too much. Thanks for listening.”
David Brunelle writes:
“Reduce the number of city employees by eliminating duplications, and outsource the police department to the county.”
Want to weigh in on a future topic? Look for the “What do you think?” box in an upcoming Daily Scoop, or read more about this story: Paid parking to continue through Nov. 18 as city ends One Parking contract.
