Some type of change is coming to Wilton Manors parking program. What it will entail is becoming increasingly clear. But who will run it? That’s still an open question.

The city’s contract with Lanier Parking expires this month, but during the Feb. 24 meeting, commissioners voted to extend the contract on a month-to-month basis. The city is accepting bids from other companies but no new deal will be in place before the current contract ends. 

Any new contract will likely bring the parking company’s office to vacant space in city hall, saving about $35,000 that’s being spent for Lanier’s off-site office. The colourful rainbow meters lining Wilton Drive are likely to go soon as well. They often malfunction and condensation inside the screen can make it difficult to see if and how much you paid. 

The meters would be replaced with parking kiosks similar to the kind you see at the Hagen Park/City Hall and Richardson Park lots. 

Lanier has a mixed track record with the city, including an extremely critical report from the Broward Office of the Inspector General. 

Fill Baby Fill 

While Republicans conspire to make massive overhauls to property taxes and how cities generate revenue, Wilton is proceeding carefully with new hires, requiring the commission to sign off before filling vacant jobs. 

Commissioners agreed to fill a spot in Code Compliance, which is often revenue-positive, and the role of Assistant Finance Director. 

Police Chief Gary Blocker says the department is essentially at full staff. Every sworn officer position is filled, although two officers are at the police academy and won’t start working here until late in the year.