(KRON) — The Santa Rosa City Council approved an increase in downtown parking fees and permit programs on Nov. 4 in hopes of generating $1 million annually.

Parking meters in busy areas like Old Courthouse Square and Railroad Square will increase by $1 per hour. Parking permits will increase to $60 per month.

The city said that the increases will “encourage parking turnover and improve access to restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.”

While rates for the city's busiest parking spaces are going up, nearly 200 meter spaces on the outer edges of downtown will become free, “offering cost-free parking for those willing to walk a few blocks,” the city said.

The city anticipates that the increase in funding will help close budget problems and fund deferred maintenance. The increases go

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