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Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has proposed a parking ticket amnesty program that could allow residents to clear unpaid parking tickets without incurring late fees. The program, if approved by the Syracuse Common Council, would run from November 3 to November 21. During this period, individuals can pay the base amount of their tickets plus a mandatory five-dollar surcharge to have all late fees waived.
The initiative aims to address approximately 140,000 unpaid parking tickets in the city, which amount to roughly $5.3 million in fines and $6 million in late penalties. According to Syracuse.com, the city hopes to generate additional revenue through this program. The Common Council's Finance Committee, which generally supports the idea, will discuss the proposal in a meeting today.
Syracuse last held a parking amnesty program in September 2020, generating nearly $1 million in revenue. However, former City Auditor Nader Maroun warned that such programs could encourage people to delay paying their tickets in anticipation of future amnesty opportunities.
The proposed program has sparked mixed reactions among residents. Some, like Millicent Blake, appreciate the relief from late fees, especially during challenging economic times. Others, like Emma Pitts, express concern that the program may pressure those who can least afford to pay.
If the program is approved, it could provide significant savings for those with overdue tickets. For instance, a $100 ticket that is 76 days past due could save $140 in late fees if paid during the amnesty period.