Mixed thoughts on fine increase

A five dollar increase in the price of parking tickets has been proposed to the Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee (TPAC), Bruce Jacobs, associate vice chancellor of administrative affairs for Residential Programs and Services said. Jacobs proposed the increase at the Nov. 16 TPAC meeting. Revenue generated from the increase would be incorporated into the IU Auditorium budget.\nIU students currently receive a discounted rate on all shows hosted by the auditorium. But there is a $200,000 discrepancy between the full cost of a ticket and what students pay, Jacobs said. The proposed increase would narrow this gap.\nTicket sales comprise the majority of the Auditorium's income, which is supplemented by some contributions and support from the University, Jacobs said. \n"The auditorium is looking for ways to increase the quality of their programs and at the same time keep costs down," Jacobs said. "It is in the business of covering its costs, not making money."\nThere has been no vote on the issue yet. Junior Josh Nix, Ashton president and a member of TPAC, said voting on the proposal will likely occur in the next two months.\nExecutive Director of Transportation for RPS Maggie Whitlow could not confirm when voting will take place. She said TPAC was divided over the issue at the Nov. 16 meeting.\n"Right now we are not ready to move on that particular issue," Whitlow said. "It is possible that it might be brought forward to be voted on later."\n"I think the discussion was mixed enough that I would have to say it was half in favor, half opposed," Whitlow said.\nJacobs believes the increase is fair because of the nature of the fine, which requires only those students violating parking laws to pay. Currently, a portion of all student fees is used for underwriting auditorium programs. \n"If someone violates the rule and has to pay the fine, some good could come from it," Jacobs said.\nRaising the price of parking tickets is not the only alternative TPAC is considering, Jacobs said. They have had some verbal conversations with some foundations that provide support for performing arts venues.\nDiscussions regarding the proposal are still continuing, and no increases would be implemented until fall 2002, Whitlow said.