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City evaluating Municipal Parking Authority operations

March 22nd, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council is in the process of evaluating Municipal Parking Authority operations in an attempt to generate additional revenue and improve the overall parking situation downtown. During Tuesday’s work session, City Administrator Jeff Silka presented a 23-page report containing an overview of current parking availability; existing rates and free parking. With the MPA operating at a deficit annually, Silka said there should absolutely be no consideration of free parking- noting the parking rates, daily and monthly elsewhere are dramatically higher than Cumberland. He also is recommending that the two warnings for parking violations be eliminated and that the ticket be issued on the first offense. In addition he suggests the city charge for parking for large downtown events as most municipalities do routinely…