Tara E. Buck
Frederick News Post

Parking at metered spaces in town will soon go up to 25 cents per hour and 10 cents per 15 minutes, an increase that could raise revenue significantly, Town Planner Mike Lucas said Monday night.

At the regular monthly meeting of the mayor and town commissioners, Mr. Lucas said that as budget discussions for fiscal 2005 took place, the town commissioners sought a survey of parking rates in the vicinity.

"It’s customary to re-visit fees to see if they are keeping pace with the cost of living and inflation," Mr. Lucas said.

Meters in town took in about $14,400 last year. The new rates set Monday, to go in effect later this year, could double that revenue.

The amount is equivalent to a 4 percent increase in the property tax rate assessed in town limits (36 cents per $100 of assessed value), he said.

A six-month parking permit will also be made available at $150.

In other business, the town commissioners also approved a contract for $9,869 with S & W Construction to replace the roof of the town’s maintenance garage.

And the town will likely have an Emmitsburg-grown Christmas tree in front of the new town hall and library, pending approval by the county, Mayor James Hoover said.

The commissioners approved moving a tree donated by Donna Richardson of West Main Street. The move will cost about $450, Mr. Hoover said.