City reinstating amnesty program

SANDPOINT — As of July 11, there were 3,178 unpaid parking tickets in the city, for a total fine amount of $83,360.

When late fees are included, the total owed to the city goes up $158,085, which is why City Council approved reinstitution of the 60-day amnesty program on Wednesday.

In 2016, council members adopted a scofflaw ordinance to address enforcement of unpaid parking tickets. At the same time, they approved a 60-day amnesty period as well, however it was met with several challenges.

“In order to implement the scofflaw, we needed all of the information out of Diamond’s system as to who the owners were of these cars so they could be notified,” said City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton. “We had a collection agency lined up that had drafted a letter, we had the whole program planned out, but the coordination of the information that we needed from Diamond to the collection agency, we were not able to successfully make happen. So, in essence, the program did not get implemented as council had approved.”

Diamond Parking is no longer contracted by the city, as Sandpoint Police Department’s community resource officers were brought on to take over enforcement. The city also got new parking enforcement software recently, so Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon said it is “perfect timing” to reinstate the amnesty program and enforce the scofflaw.

Stapleton said the city sent out letters about two weeks ago to those with outstanding parking tickets, so some of the 3,178 tickets have been paid. As some of the individuals have more than 100 unpaid tickets, Stapleton said one of the “top ten” called the city to ask about a payment plan.

“So we made the decision at that time that we need to come back to council with the recommendation of implementation of the amnesty program as approved by council in 2016, with the intent to follow through with enforcement of the scofflaw in 60 days,” Stapleton said.

Amnesty would provide 60 days for people to get current on their tickets or establish a payment plan. Those who either pay in full or establish a payment plan within 60 days would still owe the total fine amount, but would be eligible for a 50 percent reduction in late fees, Stapleton said. A second letter will be sent to those who qualify for the amnesty program, she said.

Any vehicles placed on the city’s scofflaw list following the end of the amnesty period will be immobilized with a “boot.” Anyone who enters a payment plan must remain in good standing under that plan, as well as pay any new parking violations in a timely manner in order to avoid booting.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.