Town Council members in Groton are considering a proposal to double parking ticket fees and increase animal control fees as well.
The fee for a parking ticket could increase from $10 to $20. The fine for parking in a fire lane could increase from $25 to $50 and the rate would double if it is not paid within 14 days.
“Some of our fines and fees were established a couple decades ago so this is really an attempt to get them in line with what’s practical and consistent with other communities in southeastern Connecticut,” Town of Groton Police Chief L.J. Fusaro said.
Groton police patrol the area of West Main Street before the drawbridge in Mystic, a popular tourist destination with a range of parking limits from 15 minutes to two hours.
A parking ticket in Stonington, on the other side of the drawbridge, is $25.
In Groton city, parking tickets are $25 and increase to $40 if not paid in five days, according to Chief Fusaro.
People who live in Mystic have mixed feelings about the proposed increases.
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“I think it makes sense. I do think people come in and park for a long time, knowing it’s only $10. That’s easier than going in the parking lot. Twenty dollars may make them think about it,” Joanna Case, of Mystic, said.
“If they were going to double the parking, you could raise the rates. But unless they’re adding parking, that’s ridiculous,” Keith Eaton, of Mystic, said.
Groton town council members are also considering a proposal to raise animal control fees. The cost would increase from $15 to $50 to surrender an animal, storage fees for animals would go from $10 to $15 and quarantine fees could go from $5 to $10.
The town council would need to change the ordinance and have a public hearing before making a final decision.
