Parking ticket costs increase

Those risking lot parking without a permit now face a $35 fee if their ticket is not paid within 10 days. Jessi Neels-Erickson / The Advocate

BY CRYSTAL SMITH
Staff Writer

As of July 1, the on-campus parking fine amount has increased from $15 to $25.

Sgt. Mitch Osland of MSUM Public Safety cited inflation and fuel costs as important factors in the decision, as well as the costs of snow removal from parking lots and sidewalks.

Parking permit costs have increased as well, by 10 percent from last year.

Osland said that the university “felt that it would be better to shift the costs to those who are violating,” rather than those who are abiding by the rules.

Another factor for the increase was that MSUM was already the lowest ranked in ticket costs of MnSCU schools. One of the biggest reasons for the increase in parking fines is the addition of new parking lots at MSUM for the purpose of aiding student commuters.

There is free parking in I-Lot, which is by the annex on campus, and also K-Lot near Nemzek.

Smith can be reached at
smithcr@mnstate.edu