La Grange Parking Fines, Commuter Decal Prices Rise May 1

It’s soon going to be a little pricier to park in La Grange.

Starting in May, tickets for parking violations are going to cost $35 apiece, up from $30, while commuter parking will cost $5 more per month.

The increases will help offset the cost of operating various aspects of the village’s parking program, according to a village memo. The Village Board voted to approve the rates at its April 8 meeting.

Trustee Michael Horvath asked if it would make sense to raise the fines associated with parking tickets more so that commuters who are parking legally aren't burdened an increase.

There’s too big of a gap, however, between the roughly $450,000 in revenue that parking decals generate compared to the $250,000 or so the village gets from parking tickets, Finance Director Lou Cipparrone said.

Issues that warrant a ticket include parking too long in a spot, displaying an expired license plate and blocking your car windows.

Fines for handicapped drivers who violate the parking ordinances will not change because they’re regulated by the state.

The village last increased the cost of parking tickets and commuter permits in 2008.