by Trish Rudder
A second reading of an ordinance that will increase vehicle parking fines for the Town of Bath passed unanimously by the council members at the town meeting on February 21.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Skinner was absent from the meeting.
Councilman Greg Schene, the chair of the Ordinance Committee read the proposed fines before the vote. The fees are outlined in Ordinance 2024-01-06
The first two-year increase is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2024 and will be in effect through April 30, 2026.
On May 1, an expired parking meter fine will become $15 if paid within 48 hours. If paid within 30 days, the fine is $25. If the fine is unpaid over 30 days, it becomes a $50 parking ticket.
A second increase with higher fines is scheduled to begin May 1, 2026 and continue “until further notice,” the ordinance reads.
“All other ordinances and parts of ordinances, or amendments thereto, of the Town of Bath in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed,” and “All fees are subject to review and change as determined by the Town of Bath, Town Council,” the ordinance read.
Mayor Scott Merki reiterated that the vehicle parking fines have not been increased since 2010.
He said a social media post had accused the town council of using the increase to give themselves a pay raise. He said the council does not and has not for quite some time received a salary as town officials.
“Nobody takes a dime,” he said.
A copy of the updated ordinance can be found on the town website “TownofBath.org” under Government/Code Updates.
