From The Lexington Times, downtown parking could get more expensive if city leaders approve a new proposal from LexPark. The parking authority wants to raise rates at downtown garages, moving away from the current system of one dollar for eighteen minutes of parking. Under the new structure, drivers would pay three dollars for their first half hour, then four dollars for each additional hour. LexPark says the rate hike is necessary to address eleven million dollars in maintenance work that has been put off, along with increasing costs to operate the parking facilities. The proposal now heads to City Council for consideration. If approved, the changes would affect all LexPark-operated garages in the downtown area, meaning higher costs for commuters, shoppers, and visitors to the city center.

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