If you have ever been to the Murfreesboro square, then you know how hard it can be to find a parking space. The Only Downtown Business Alliance knows about the parking situation all too well and so do their customers. The local organization made up of businesses in the downtown area, will meet on Tuesday morning to discuss the parking and the fines that go along with parking in the same space for an extended period of time.

The rates for 1 hour of timed parking are being called into question and those rates may soon be changing. Murfreesboro administration and the city council will be meeting to Tuesday to discuss parking fees and fines around the square. The city has proposed that parking ticket fees be changed from $2 to $5 for the first ticket issued. The second ticket would be $15 and the third or more would be $30 each, if the city moves forward with their change in price structure for parking tickets.

One idea that has been proposed by members of the downtown business alliance calls for a full time parking attendant instead of a police officer. Another idea calls for the addition of a 30-minute parking area at the corner of each side of the square.

The alliance will meet at Maple Street Grill on Tuesday morning at 8:30 (June 18, 2013). 

Additional Suggestions (According to the Only Downtown Business Alliance):

Proposed by City

One hour parking

1st ticket  $5

2nd ticket  $15

3 or more tickets  $30

Suggestion 1

Two hour parking

After 2 hours    $5

After 3 hours  $15

4 hours or more   $30

Add 30 minute parking,  one on each corner

2 parking attendants

Suggestion 2

One hour parking

1 hour   $2

2 hours   $10

3 hours    $20

4 hours or more  $40

Replace full-time officer with parking attendant