AUBURN -- The proposed Auburn city budget includes an increase in some fees for services. It includes a 25 cent parking meter rate raise, bringing prices to 75 cents an hour.
City Manager Mark Palesh says they want people parking in the garage but right now it's cheaper to park in the street. He says other fee increases included in the proposed budget would mean taxpayers don't have to pay for services they don't use.
"I believe in user fees. If you're going to use a service it should pay for itself instead of falling into the general fund where taxes take care of it, " Palesh said.
The proposed budget includes a 2.75% property tax hike, the first increase in years. Palesh blames problems in Albany and a million dollars in extra retirement money that the city has to pay for.
He also says service fee increases are designed to keep taxes down in the future.
James Breslin comes to Auburn and spent $15 to park downtown this week. Breslin says, "I will definitely be getting the parking permit for the garage because it will obviously make more sense."
The common council is expected to vote on the proposed budget the third week in June.
