By Joe Bachman
Multimedia Editor

STEVENS POINT — City officials discussed free overnight parking on Monday night.

District 9 Alder Polly Dalton led the charge for the suggestion of potential free overnight parking, arguing that many are struggling with the current system. Dalton also stated that from her research, police are not burdened with complaints due to overnight parking.

Currently, there is a $3 charge for overnight parking with the exception of holidays and special events as determined by city officials and law enforcement.

“I’ve heard consistently from people that they’re frustrated with the overnight parking system with fees, and guests they bring into town, and that it just doesn’t work.” said Dalton. “I feel the roads and streets that we have are a public good.”

Dalton would go on to suggest “having an overnight system where you may be allowed to park for free overnight for a few nights in a thirty-day period.”

“Parking is not free,” said District 1 Alder Tori Jennings. “Tax levy limits imposed by the state of voters voting for tax cuts have put us in this position where there is not enough revenue to pay for services, and so we’re having to make reactions to those long-term decisions.”

Suggestions would range from mirroring a similar system in Milwaukee where overnight parking is free for a few nights at a time, to making small adjustments to the current system in regards to the online parking website. The website kickstarted last August as law enforcement dispatchers were flooded with calls for overnight parking and could no longer handle that workload.

No action was taken at this time, as the item was for discussion only. However, conversation is expected to progress on the matter.