Voters To Decide Fate Of South Lake Tahoe Parking Meters

The City of South Lake Tahoe installed new parking meters 10 months ago and they brought in $250,000.

Now, there is a measure on the ballot to remove them and residential parking restrictions. Opponents say the parking program isn’t cost effective.

But City Manager Nancy Kerry says it brings in revenue the city didn’t have before.

"And once they understand that we are collecting an awful lot of money without a lot of expense associated with it, I think they will vote to allow us to keep the money,” says Kerry.

The money is used to pay for maintenance at three parking lots that can cost up to $100,000 each per year.

Walt Smith of South Lake Tahoe doesn’t want tourists to have to pay for parking.

“My basic opinion is that I think everything should be free, but you do have a point, thank you who is going to pay for this right?” says Smith.

If Measure P passes, Kerry says the city will still have to maintain the lots and pay off a $150,000 debt on the meters. According to a financial analysis this month, the city will be a quarter million dollars in the red by 2016 and losing meter revenue will push that up to a half million.

“I’m very worried, because our budget is, you know, we are very close to the line," says Kerry. "It is unfortunate that we are still living paycheck to paycheck at the city.”