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Parking Operators Owe the City Nearly $100 Million
Photo by GarySe7en via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
As the city explores ways to sell the operation of public parking garages to private companies for 50 years--the city council today unanimously approved a move to further develop these plans--a recent report listing the top debtors reveals that parking operators owe the city close to $100 million in uncollected taxes.
"You want to solve the budget problem, let's get their money!" screamed Councilmember Richard Alarcon during the city council meeting this morning. "They're ripping us off!"
The city is currently $208 million in the red and is considering over 1,000 layoffs yet nearly half of that money could come from parking operators, which equal 15 of the 172 highest debtors to the city. Number one on the list is Prestige Parking, which has been in trouble with the city in the past--they owe over $72 million in taxes to Los Angeles, according to a Office of Finance report (.pdf) released last week. Parking operators make up positions two and three on the list, too, each owing around $7 million. In fact, 9 of the top 13 debtors are parking operators.
City staff, however, warned councilmembers that when going after debtors, there's a chance that not all money will be recovered. Any proposals to lease city parking garages from delinquent parking operators will be denied.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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