DEWEY BEACH, Del. - Parking rates could soon rise in another beach town. Dewey Beach commissioners are considering raising both permit and metered rates by 25 percent. While generating more revenue, the town would also aim to keep its prices competitive with neighboring communities.
If the proposed parking hike is approved soon, new rates could be implemented by this coming season. Metered parking would increase from $2 to $2.50 an hour. Property owner parking permits would increase from $150 to $225. Seasonal parking permits would increase from $200 to $250. Daily and weekly permits would also increase in price.
"The town has a very limited amount of revenue streams," says Town Manager Scott Koenig. "We do not have a general property tax and parking is a limited commodity in Dewey Beach."
Koenig says parking generated over $1 million last season, contributing $200,000 to the town's budget.
Jason Wilson of Dewey Beach says people can make room in their budget to come enjoy the beach town.
"Anytime prices increase for something, at first thought it kind of stinks," says Wilson. "The town, to keep it as great as it is, has to get their revenue."
Even during parking season, it is still free to park in Dewey from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Mayor TJ Redefer hopes that will stay the same. He says he supports parking price increases as long as Dewey still offers what he calls the "best value" out of all of the beach towns."
Parking ranges up to $3 an hour and $250 for the season in Rehoboth Beach. Bethany Beach also raised its hourly rate from $2 to $2.50 back in November.
Olivia Michel, who works in management at the Starboard, worries about how her customers would feel about higher parking rates.
"A lot of people will have trouble finding parking because it's so expensive and they don't want to pay the extra 25% on just a daily parking pass," says Michel.
While the proposed parking rates have yet to be approved, meters and permits go into effect regardless on May 15th. Koenig says these proposed rates will be discussed during meetings in February as commissioners need to figure in this potential additional revenue into next year's budget.