Mount Kisco Mulls Parking Fine Hikes

Not paying at Mount Kisco's parking meters could soon get more expensive, as officials are considering raising fines for several vehicle and traffic violations.

The village board of trustees has a proposal before it that would raise fines for 25 of it the village's 99 related violations. The changes would be listed in a fine schedule, which the board would adopt. The adoption approach would replace the current procedure of amending specific provisions of the village code and list maximum fine levels in it.

In the case of unpaid parking meters, the fine could double from $10 to $20. The highest fine would be for parking in a handicapped parking spot without a permit, rising from $75 to $125. Other violations that could see higher fines include parking in a fire zone, parking in spots reserved for village employees and parking in a prohibited area during a snow emergency.

The proposal comes after a review from the village's Finance Committee, which included an analysis of what neighboring communities charge for their fines. It was determined that even with the increases, Mount Kisco would be at a similar level.

Village Trustee Anthony Markus, who sits on the finance committee, explained that the purpose of raising fines involves getting more revenue for the village as it faces rising costs from unfunded state mandates. He also said that fines have not been raised “in lengthy period of time.”

The committee also recommends setting aside 10 percent of fine proceeds for "economic development," which Markus explained came from a thought that with placing a greater price on people coming to the village, then funds could be put into things such as aesthetics. Markus added it would involve “things to actually make it a win-win situation.” 

The board held a public hearing for the related code changes and adjourned it to July 15. At the meeting, Mayor Michael Cindrich felt that a more comprehensive change to the village's vehicle and traffic code should be done, including getting rid of references to a now-defunct parking authority whose role was taken over by the village manager. Cindrich also argued that there is a need for enforcing the law against pedestrian crossings that do not involve use of crosswalks.

Specifics for what constitutes economic development have not been decided, although Cindrich is interested in it involving support for creating a business improvement district, which would be operated by merchants.