The Wilton Manors City Commission reinstated paid parking meter enforcement at its meeting on Tuesday evening.

Passing on a 3-1 vote, the Commission voted to reinstate paid parking meter enforcement beginning Feb. 1, 2021.

Meters will be up and running on Dec. 1, but citations won’t happen until February. 

City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said enforcement would be soft with “friendly warnings” through February. 

City Finance Director Pennie Zuercher said delaying a vote would “keep local people from going back to work on the contract.” Commissioner Gary Resnick said parking could not be eliminated because the revenue is pledged to the city’s debt obligations. The parking program generates $78,500 in monthly revenue. 

“No matter when we decide to reinstate paid parking it is going to be difficult,” Henderson acknowledged. The parking program has been closed since March 17.

Acting Mayor Tom Green, in his last meeting, cast the lone dissent. Green said he had spoken to property owners who told him reinstating paid parking would “put the nails in the coffin.”

The parking rate of $1.25 per hour will not change, Henderson said.