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Greenwood to consider increasing parking ticket fines

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) — A warning for drivers travelling through Greenwood; watch where you park! Parking fines could go up more than three times what they are currently.

But it’s not as high as what the police department would like.

Greenwood’s police chief had initially proposed the ticket price increase from $15 to $140. The department says they’re losing money when handing out tickets. But, the city council president said that fine was too high. The proposal was amended to $50, which is still more than three times what it is now. People in the community, aren’t happy about either option.

The dreaded parking ticket. Some avoid them at all cost.

“I’ve had other tickets but not a parking ticket,” laughed Phillip Field.

Others prefer to take a chance.

“I’ve had several parking tickets,” said a man who goes by Jackson. When asked how much he paid, he said, “$25, downtown I believe. I’ve had one in Bloomington too. That was about $20 as well.”

But what if instead of $20-25, it was twice that; $50?

“Oh, that’s outrageous. A little bit too much,” said Field.

“It’s a little steep and expensive. It’s not necessary,” Jackson added.

But Greenwood Police Department says it is necessary. Media Relations Officer Kortney Burrello argues that $15 parking tickets are actually costing the city.

“For us to purchase the tickets, to issue the tickets and to prosecute the tickets through the court system, it’s actually costing us more money,” she said.

Burrello also believes the higher price would deter future violators.

“People don’t take $15 very seriously. I mean, one person can spend that on lunch these days at a fast food restaurant,” Burrello said.

Burrello added that parking violations aren’t a big problem in Greenwood. This year, police issued 73 tickets. Last year, officers handed out fewer than 100.

“You need to take care of the small stuff or things grow out of control,” Burrello said.

Out of control, depending on whom you ask, is relative.

“They could raise it. But that’s a little bit too high, I’d say,” said Field.

Jackson disagrees, “I’d say $15 is fine. Keep it at $15.”

The Greenwood city council is expected to meet December 4 for a first vote on the increase.