Parking in Wilton Manors has been a process fraught with growing pains. Those include equipment malfunctions, customer service complaints, and a scathing report by the Broward Office of the Inspector General.
Now the city is at a crossroads. The contract with Lanier, the current contractor, expires in March. Wilton Manors could put the service out for bid or bring the department in house under city control.
During the city commission meeting on Oct. 28, Finance Director Carol Conol and Human Resources Director Dio Sanchez broke down the costs of the projected new contract versus creating a new department. The bottom line is an estimated savings of about $35,000, most of which would come from putting the parking office in city hall and no longer renting off site.
The idea of creating the department was suggested by commissioner Paul Rolli and had general support among his colleagues. However, the savings aren’t what many on the dais expected. Pros include better customer service and city oversight. Cons would be creating more employees under city supervision and more work for HR.
If a new company gets the contract, they will likely move into city hall in order to eliminate rental costs.
No matter which way commissioners go, there appears to be consensus to get rid of parking meters and replace them with pay stations similar to the ones at city lots. Meters, which no longer accept cash, require a lot of maintenance.
Issues include not being able to read the screen, which leads to confusion on if payment has been accepted, and technical malfunctions.
Fire Safety
The city is continuing its relationship with Fort Lauderdale for EMS and fire services. The new five-year agreement runs through Oct. 2030.
Like many public services, the cost is escalating faster than the rate of inflation.
The first year of the deal, which started Nov. 1, includes a 14.6% increase, boosting the total to $14,758,814.
Residents have, essentially, already absorbed the increase as part of the annual fire assessment that was set during the budget process.
The estimated hit to the general fund is about $1.24 million.
