Dewey raises parking meter fees to $3 per hour

To simplify the fee structure and raise about $10,000 in revenue, Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 13 to raise parking meter fees from $2.50 to $3 per hour.

Town Manager Bill Zolper said Rehoboth and Bethany Beach already charge $3 per hour, and Dewey is one of the few towns in Delaware with no property tax.

The town will be building a new town hall and police department, and will be looking for funding, he said. Inflation went over 7% this year, and he would like to increase employee salaries.

With 167 metered spots throughout town, Zolper said, the increase will generate $8,500 to $10,000 in revenue. Free parking will still be available throughout town from 5 to 11 p.m., Monday through Wednesday during the summer season, he said.

Commissioner David Jasinski said he agreed with raising the rate, saying all parking passes and peak rates during weekends should be evaluated and rates rationalized during the budget process.

Mayor Bill Stevens said he agreed, and that setting the $3 rate is a step toward simplifying the fees structure and making everything consistent. Stevens said he hopes to receive suggestions from the budget and finance committee regarding fee structuring, annual passes and the four-hour block minimums.

Commissioner Paul Bauer said that simplifying the fees was best, noting that if he asked anyone in the public what the parking requirements are, they wouldn’t know.  

“I don't think anybody’s not going to come to town for 50 cents,” he said.

The paid parking season in Dewey Beach runs from May 15 to Sept. 15 every year. Parking can be paid through the ParkMobile app or through daily, weekend, weekly and seasonal passes. For more information, call the parking department at 302-227-6170 or go to townofdeweybeach.com.