Cash-strapped Troy eyes ticket amnesty
Mayor says reduction of parking fines may get scofflaws to settle up
As it continues to face declining revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic, the city is considering allowing parking ticket scofflaws to pay off what they owe at a reduced rate.
It would be the first parking ticket amnesty since 2016, when the city collected about $100,000 on $1,113,384 in outstanding tickets and late penalties during the 46-day forgiveness period.
“We’re pleased to propose a parking ticket amnesty program to encourage individuals with previously issued unpaid violations and penalty fees to resolve tickets at a reduced rate,” Mayor Patrick Madden said in a statement Thursday.
The amnesty period on open parking violations would run from Aug. 1 through Sept. 15. Tickets issued from Jan. 1, 2015 to Feb. 29, 2020 would be cut by 50 percent. Parking tickets written between March 2, 2020 and June 30, 2020 would be reduced to $25.
The mayor’s office did not respond Thursday to requests for information about how many tickets are unpaid and what is the amount of money owed the city.
City Council President Carmella Mantello said she was contacted by Deputy City Comptroller Andrew Piotrowski to have the ticket amnesty placed on the council agenda for July 23 when a special meeting will be held. Mantello said the administration has not yet provided any details about the money it hopes to see collected during the 46-day period.
The City Council must approve the ticket amnesty for it to take effect.
Mantello, a Republican, was the force behind the 2016 amnesty. It wasn’t an idea that was warmly received by Democrats at the time.
“I got flack about it four years ago,” Mantello said.
“Obviously, it’s a no brainer. We need to try to grab revenues,” Mantello said. “If we can give people a break, it’s a win-win.”
The Madden administration said when the amnesty is approved individuals with unpaid parking tickets who qualify will receive a letter with instructions on how to make a payment. As City Hall is still closed to the public, payments would have to be made online or by mail.
The city has been dealing with the budget impact caused by businesses being shut down, which has led to lost sales tax revenues, less parking fees from its meters and other revenue shortfalls. The city has been attempting to cut spending, not fill vacant positions and refinance debt.