Sacramento Extending Metered Parking From 6 p.m. To 10 p.m.

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The Sacramento City Council has voted to extend metered parking times from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. as part of a plan to expand parking revenue.

It's a discussion that has many concerned, and not just for those paying the extra buck, but businesses who fear they might lose money. Ultimately there was a deadline to get this parking issue started now to be ready in September and that's what they accomplished on Tuesday.

Rick Reynolds says their clients at the Capitol Athletic Club will also lose spaces. This was a main concern for many downtown businesses. No free parking on the street will push drivers into private parking lots.

"It would cost us $40,000 for your projected just to increase labor because now we have to monitor the parking lot that we normally wouldn't had to monitor in the evening time," he said.

Many council members voiced their own concerns, but with time running out to get started on the project, it passed 6 to 2.

The project affects the area from Front Street to 19th Street and then C Street to W Street.

Many people believe the extended meters revenue will go towards paying off arena debt. City leaders say that's not the case. By ordinance, the money generated is allowed to only be used for parking funds and improvements.

But before voting, council members wanted to make it clear this project is not intended to hurt small business and restaurants in our community.

And even Reynolds left believing the city with work with him.

"I was pleased with the outcome and again I believe they realize that the restaurants in private businesses are instrumental to the success of the downtown," he said.