Parking meter hours extended

Shoppers, diners and employees who park in Santa Rosa's downtown in the early evening will get a chance to help the city offset a projected $5 million budget deficit.

As part of approximately 100 cost-cutting and revenue-raising ideas, the City Council has agreed to extend the operating hours of 1,500 downtown parking meters an extra two hours from 6 to 8 p.m.

The meters currently charge for parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day but Sundays. Downtown parking will remain free on Sundays and on some designated holidays.

Deputy Transit and Parking Director Cheryl Woodward said the extended hours will raise an extra $100,000 in revenue annually, money that will be used to finance parking operations.

But it also is expected to generate $150,000 worth of tickets for those who don't pay or park beyond their paid time.

Woodward said enforcement of the extended hours won't begin until July 1, enough lead time so those parking downtown are familiar with the change.

-- Mike McCoy