Carbon County is making some modifications to the parking fines in its county-owned lots.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners approved advertising the county’s intent to enact the ordinance making these changes.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said three changes should be highlighted, the parking fine increase, overdue collections and rented space requirements during snow/ice events.

After the ordinance is advertised and accepted, the new violations for handicap spaces will increase from $50 to $75; improper parking/reserved parking violations will increase from $15 to $40 for less than 72 hours and from $25 to $50 for over 72 hours; and time violations from $15 to $30 for less than 72 hours; and from $25 to $40 for over 72 hours.

Last year, Carbon County collected just over $19,000 in fines.

In addition, for any person who do not pay fines within 14 days will be now sent to a third-party collection agency.

“That has been gaining us some revenue that we previously would not have collected,” Lukasevich said, citing out-of-county or out-of-state visitors as some who did not previously pay the fine.

To date, there are over 300 outstanding tickets that will be sent to collections.

The third change is for anyone who rents a space in the county lot.

In the event of snow or ice, where plowing is required, vehicles parked in those rented spaces must be moved to the north end of the parking lot until plowing has taken place.

“(This way) the maintenance team can more effectively and efficiently clear the parking lot,” Lukasevich said.

Those who don’t move will be fined or towed.

In other parking matters, Lukasevich also highlighted Kathy Kramer of Nesquehoning, a parking/meter technician who is resigning from her post, effective May 5. He said she was a great parking ambassador and always did her job in the lot with a great attitude, even when the situation was stressful.