THE BRIGHT SIDE
What happened to the investigation of the BID (Business Improvement District) finances requested by that operation’s own board?
Apparently, a kind of foggy, long, and rather ho-hum Walworth County Sheriff’s investigation has finally gone from detective work to consideration by the captain of the unit about what to do. That decision, according to the head of the BID, is quite possibly to go back and re-question some of the people who were involved with whatever was really was (supposedly) involved. Justifiably, the whole investigation has been steeped in secrecy. There are some very important local people and their life-long established (and, in many cases, quite justified) reputations at stake. The BID is currently a very well run and a very effective arm of ‘sub-governmental office’ operating to make Lake Geneva a better, more successful, and more fun place to live and visit. There is no target date for ending the investigation, but it now appears that nothing will come of it until at least some time in 2023.
Paid parking ends soon.
Free parking begins November 15th and goes through January 31st. Parking in Lake Geneva can be (and usually is) frustrating. It’s often hard to find a slot, especially in the warmer months. Locals look forward to the colder and slower months when parking is more abundant which also happens to coincidentally be the months when parking is free. Little by little, the free period has decreased down to two and a half months and the paid period has slowly increased in cost per hour, as well. That’s potentially going to happen again unless the residents and businesses of the city fight in opposition to the increase. Resident parking stickers are available by showing a proper vehicle registration, and a current utility bill, which provides three hours of free parking a day all year with the usage of the sticker issued. Business owners with a valid business license to operate in the city, and a vehicle registration can purchase a sticker for $50, and Walworth County residents, with a vehicle registration in the county and current utility bill, can purchase a sticker for $160.
An unlimited parking lot permit costs $400 per year. This can get expensive if you are not a resident living in the city, but you can save a whole lot of money if you are a consistent visitor of the city and if the increase gets approved could save even more. With the potential rate increase on the table the sticker permits have not been discussed for an increase. Winter parking rules also begin on November 15th and are in effect until March 31st. The city of Lake Geneva never allows vehicles to be parked more than 24 hours consecutively on street or in lot parking areas.
During the winter months, November 15th through March 31st, the city prohibits overnight parking in any metered stall from 3 a.m. through 6 a.m. and this is also prohibited on any city street form 2 a.m. through 6 a.m. Vehicles are also not allowed to park on the street after a snow fall until the snow has been cleared to the curb line. Signs have been placed as reminders on certain streets to help facilitate adequate snow removal. If regulations are not followed any vehicle may be ticketed and towed. Get ready to enjoy a little reprieve from paid parking but don’t forget the free months come with a new set of rules.
