Dec 30, 2014 2 min read

MONONGAHELA – Motorists will soon be paying higher parking fines in Monongahela to help the small city meet expenses next year.

Monongahela Council on Tuesday doubled parking meter fines, as well as those issued to motorists who park vehicles in front of fire hydrants, to balance the city’s $2.5 million budget for 2015.

The spending plan does not include an increase in real estate taxes, even though council was considering one when the budget was introduced, Monongahela Mayor Robert Kepics said.

The fine for parking in front of a fire hydrant in the city will be $50, while those for parking meter violations were set at $4.

“That’s also a safety issue,” Kepics said, regarding parking in front of hydrants.

Council also set the annual permit fee to operate a junkyard at $1,000, an amount that is double the current rate.

In an effort to raise additional money, the city will begin next year offering permits to park at a lot at First and Railroad streets at a cost of $25 per month, Kepics said.

The budget earmarks $1.2 million to the accounts and finance department and $418,000 to streets and improvements.

The budget includes $921,877 for city salaries and wages, and it shows the city ending next year with a $2,580 surplus.