COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia drivers could soon pay more to park in downtown garages.

The city is proposing increasing garage rates from 50 cents to $1 per hour and reducing the free parking period from one hour to 30 minutes.

Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan said the proposal is meant to make parking more consistent throughout downtown.

"One key goal here is consistency" Ogan said. "We would like the parking system to be as easy to understand as possible."

On-street parking rates increased to $1 per hour on Jan. 1. The proposed garage rate increase would match those rates.

If approved, the changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Ogan said the proposal is expected to receive a first reading before the Columbia City Council on Monday.

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