Newton's residential parking permit sales dropped 25% after the city introduced a $25 annual fee, the Public Safety and Transportation Committee learned Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Traffic bureau commander Daniel Devine told the committee the city issued 1,335 permits in 2025 but only 965 as of Oct. 7, as The Heights first reported. He estimated about half the decline came from residents who simply did not know about the new fee.

The committee voted 7-0 to hold the issue for further discussion rather than act immediately.

The $25 fee, codified in city ordinance §19-201(B)(5)(e), took effect in 2025. Ward 2 Councilor-at-Large Tarik Lucas, who chairs the committee, said the fee targeted a loophole. Visitor passes had been free, and residents were obtaining them instead of paying for residential permits.

"I think $25 is woefully underpriced," Ward 6 Councilor-at-Large Sean Roche said at the meeting, arguing the city should charge more for what he called a public asset.

Other councilors focused on how residents pay. Newton's permit office, run by the police department, accepts only checks and money orders. No cash. No credit cards. Ward 7 Councilor-at-Large Brian Golden called the payment process primitive.

Devine described residents driving to the police station, learning they could not pay with cash or a card, and leaving empty-handed. He recommended a public awareness campaign before any new changes take effect.

Ward 5 Councilor Julie Irish proposed moving permit administration from the Newton Police Department to City Hall. Devine backed the idea enthusiastically, telling Irish he would show up at her office the next morning.

Councilors Lucas, Farrell and Block originally filed the agenda item, which carries a 180-day deadline of April 3, 2027, according to the committee's meeting agenda. Lucas suggested splitting the parking permit question into separate tracks so the committee can address payment modernization and fee levels on different timelines.