The City of Butler is considering a move that officials say could provide short and long-term benefits to the city’s finances.
Butler City Mayor Tom Donaldson is in favor of a plan that would allow for a private company to take over parking in the City of Butler for a lump sum of what is believes would be between $11-16 million up front. The City of Scranton recently made a similar deal to allow a private vendor control over their city lots and spaces.
“In the past we had met with several people in regards to the possible monetization of parking assets,” Mayor Donaldson said during a meeting Tuesday. “It could be a possibility and it could work to right the city’s financial situation and keep us sound for both the short term and long term.”
In addition to the infusion of cash, the vendor would also be responsible for many expenses that are currently paid by the city.
“It’s what we negotiate,” Donaldson said. “Things like maintenance. The leasee will be covering winter maintenance. They will be paying the police department to patrol through the meter monitors. They’ll be absorbing the cost for the parking manager.”
Although one company has already been in touch with the city, council agreed that advertising for additional interested vendors would allow for more information, options and the best possible price.
