Here's a Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares

 

Santa Looks for a Meter with Time on It

A classic country music song by Travis Tritt. Also, a quarter for the pay phone is a thing of the past. But, thanks to Mayor Andy Betterton, a quarter for the parking meters in downtown Florence is alive and well. At the December 5th meeting of the Florence city council, Andy put on his Grinch outfit and proposed raising the rates at the meters in downtown Florence. Well, he actually had on his trademark sweater vest, but you get the point.

Yes folks, the meters will be redesigned to only accept quarters beginning February 1, 2024. It does not seem like a lot of money, but no longer will a person be able to “pick something up” from a downtown store when they park for 12 minutes for a nickel. If you park in front of a meter downtown, you cannot “check something out” in 24 minutes for a dime. And instead of a quarter getting you an hour on the meter to “window shop” or “try something on”, it will cost you $.50.

I know, it is just a quarter. But those quarters do add up. Especially at those times when you are waiting in line at, oh let us say, the Lauderdale County Courthouse to get your tag renewed. Better have a roll of quarters! And it seems especially “Grinchy” for Andy and his merry band of “Grinchettes”, the city council members, to pass this during the holidays. At least people have time to save up their quarters for the trips downtown after the New Year. You do not have to use them to call someone who cares anymore. Just dump them into a parking meter! AND, still pay the highest retail sales tax in North Alabama.