by Trish Rudder
The Bath Town Council has proposed an ordinance to raise the downtown Berkeley Springs parking violation fines for the first time in 14 years.
If passed by the council, the new fines would take effect May 1 and remain in place through April 30, 2026.
A first reading of the proposed fines received unanimous support at the January 23 meeting. A vote after a second reading takes place before the new fines can be enacted.
Ordinance 2024-01-06 amends the existing ordinance 2010-02 that was adopted on May 4, 2010.
Councilman Greg Schene, who heads up the town Ordinance Committee, read the proposed fines. He noted the parking fines have not been updated in 14 years. 
An expired meter violation fine that is now $8 will go to $25 if paid within 30 days. The fine is $50 if the ticket is unpaid over 30 days. If the fine is paid within 48 hours of the violation, the fine will be $15.
The proposed ordinance states that a parking violation in front of or blocking a driveway, within an intersection, on a sidewalk, within 15 feet of fire hydrant, on a crosswalk, double parking or standing, where prohibited by sign, improper parking or wrong direction, yellow zone or curb or more than 18 inches from curb, the fine is $30, or $60 over 30 days. A parking violation in handicap parking only will result in a fine of $200, or $400 over 30 days. Parking within 20 feet of fire house driveway, upon a bridge, or where safety is endangered, the fine is $100 paid within 30 days or $200 over 30 days. A parking violation in handicap parking only will result in a fine of $200 or $400 over 30 days.
The proposed ordinance would raise the fines in two years. Effective May 1, 2026, the ordinance states that an expired meter violation fine will be $30 within 30 days or $60 over 30 days. If the fine is paid within 48 hours, the fine is $20.
Parking violations blocking entrances or sidewalk, crosswalks or fire hydrants would cause a fine of $60 if paid within 30 days, or $120 over 30 days.
Parking within 20 feet of fire house driveway, upon a bridge, or where safety is endangered, the fine is $100 paid within 30 days or $200 over 30 days. A parking violation in handicap parking only will result in a fine of $200 or $400 over 30 days.
According to the proposed ordinance, any parking citation unpaid over 90 days will be submitted to the Town of Bath Municipal Court and the registered owner will receive a summons with a court date.
Failure to appear in court or make payment by the court date will result in additional fines and/or suspension of the registered owner’s license.
Any parking citation that is not paid within 30 days will be in violation of Section 78-488 and the vehicle will be subject to booting.
Payment of all fines along with a booting charge of $75 will be required within 24 hours of boot placement. After 24 hours, the vehicle will be towed and impounded at the owner’s expense. The vehicle will not be released until all fines and fees have been satisfied, the proposed ordinance said.
The next council meeting will be held on February 6.
A second reading of the proposed ordinance is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, according to the town office.
Mayor Scott Merki requested the council meeting be moved from Tuesday, February 20 to February 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall at 271 Wilkes Street.
