Galveston considers 30-minute parking, amnesty to boost compliance

The Galveston City Council is evaluating a series of proposed changes to downtown parking regulations. These adjustments are designed to reduce violations, enhance compliance, and improve turnover rates, as discussed during a workshop meeting held on December 11.

The proposals outline a plan to permit drivers to pay for parking in 30-minute increments, improve fine collection efforts, and introduce a limited amnesty program that would eliminate late fees for a specified timeframe. According to council members, the purpose of the measures is to alter parking behavior instead of generating revenue.

David Finklea, a council member, says the goal is to reduce infractions and deal with the problem of repeat offenders. “That’s the moment you realize your parking program is thriving.” “It’s when there is a low percentage of violations or a low percentage of repeat offenders,” Finklea stated.

At present, the cost of parking in downtown areas stands at $2.25 per hour, with a minimum requirement of one hour. Finklea stated that incorporating a 30-minute option on the PayByPhone app might enhance compliance for brief stops. “The argument presented was, ‘I don’t want to pay for another hour if I’m only going to be there for 30 minutes,’” he stated. “This creates a situation where individuals might avoid paying for the additional hour, resulting in unpaid tickets.”

Finklea proposed an examination of the current data prior to implementing any changes, followed by a reassessment several months later to evaluate whether there was a reduction in violations, an improvement in turnover, or any shifts in revenue after the introduction of shorter increments.

Members of the council engaged in discussions regarding the enhancement of fine collection and enforcement measures. During the workshop, council member Alex Porretto highlighted a more aggressive strategy towards repeat offenders, which may involve vehicle booting following multiple unpaid tickets.

The Galveston County Daily News reports that the city has collected $848,293 out of over $1.8 million in assessed parking fines for fiscal year 2025. Finklea stated that the revenue generated from collections is being reinvested into the downtown district to support maintenance efforts, which includes the hiring of additional staff for trash cleanup.

A proposal was put forward regarding a “spring cleaning” amnesty program, which would eliminate late or collection fees for tickets paid between April 1 and April 30. Finklea warned that the implementation process is intricate, owing to the city's agreement with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, the firm responsible for managing delinquent fines. Despite the waiver of fees, the city is still bound by contract to provide compensation to the firm.

Council members engaged in discussions regarding the potential use of payments generated from amnesty to offset collection costs or to negotiate fees with the agency. “This is not about a financial exploitation,” Finklea stated during the workshop. “Our goal is to enhance enforcement, reduce violations, and ensure compliance with regulations.”

Finklea expressed his hope that the council will cast its vote on the proposed changes during the meeting scheduled for Jan. 22.

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