The South Haven City Council will consider changes to beach parking fees, rules, and enforcement on Monday to help pay for the city’s new lifeguard program.
The proposal would switch the parking fee from $10 daily to an hourly rate, raise the weekly pass from $30 to $50, and increase fines for parking violations.
When discussing the new lifeguard program back in February, City Manager Kate Hosier warned the beach parking fees would have to rise to help cover the cost.
“I can tell you very definitively the parking fees do have to go up,” Hosier said in February.
Under the proposal being considered Monday, the hourly parking fee will either be $2 or $3. City documents contain both numbers. Parking hours would also be extended from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The changes are expected to generate about $800,000 per year, helping fund lifeguards, beach maintenance, and future improvements. City staff also note a review of parking fees in other nearby communities has found South Haven’s fees are lower.
To move forward, the council on Monday must approve two resolutions setting fees and restrictions and introduce an ordinance updating city code.
