City commission to debate fee increases Tuesday night

Parking control officer Taunya Miller issues a ticket to a vehicle in the city parking lot on the 900 block of Vermont Street, July 14, 2009.

Here’s a look at how Lawrence’s proposed fees will compare to traffic and parking fines in other Kansas cities. The amounts include both the fine and court costs, where applicable.

  • Speeding, 10 miles over: Lawrence: $102; Manhattan: $96; Overland Park: $100; Topeka: $86; Wichita: $106.
  • Running a stop sign: Lawrence: $132; Manhattan: $138; Overland Park: $120; Wichita: $86.
  • Overtime parking: Lawrence: $3; Manhattan: $5; Topeka: $8; Overland Park: N/A; Wichita: $10

Speeders, illegal parkers, and good and bad golfers alike may soon face higher fines or fees in Lawrence.

City commissioners at their meeting Tuesday night are scheduled to debate a host of fee increases for downtown parking, municipal court and parks and recreation services.

Here’s a look at some of the proposed increases:

• In Municipal Court, fines for going at least 10 miles over the speed limit will increase to $50, up from $38. Fines for traffic offenses such as running a stop sign will increase to $80, up from $68. Fines for various “notice to appear” parking violations will increase to $55, up from $40. The fines will be in addition to $52 in courts costs, which will remain unchanged.

• In downtown, the overtime parking fine will increase to $3, up from the current $2. Parking meters on Massachusetts Street will have the maximum parking time reduced to 1.5 hours, down from two hours. Parking enforcement hours in downtown will be extended to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Currently, enforcement ends at 5 p.m. The proposed fees, in part, are based on recommendations from Downtown Lawrence Inc.

• In the Parks and Recreation Department, weekend green fees for the city-owned Eagle Bend Golf Course would increase to $25 for 18 holes, up from $23. Weekday green fees would not increase. Cart rentals, for both weekend and weekday, would increase to $16, up from $15 for 18 holes. At the Prairie Park Nature Center, the city would begin charging a $1 entrance fee for adults and 50 cents for children 5 to 12 years old. A $40 annual pass for families also would be offered. At the South Park Wading Pool, children will be charged a $1 entrance fee.

Commissioners meet at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.