For the Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – Parking violations could soon cost you more in the city of Marshfield. That’s according to police chief Rick Gramza who says under a new parking ordinance that’s being considered, the city’s relatively low fines would be increased to be more in-line with state laws, and also to accommodate the use of some new parking enforcement software.

“I’d like to see this ordinance changed to be consistent with what state statute reads as to what our parking violation charge should be,” Gramza said.  “The second reason we’re looking at changing this is we’re looking at partnering with a company called Passport, a parking citation and parking permit program.”

So how much would those parking fines go up?  According to Gramza, “Right now parking violations are $15 and handicap is $100. And with this revision, we’re suggesting to move the parking violations to $25 and the handicap parking to $150.”

According to city ordinance, fines not paid within 48 hours automatically double, and if still not paid, driving licenses can be revoked until the fine is paid.

That increase was approved by the Marshfield Board of Public Works and was placed on the common council agenda for a first reading on July 23.