A University of Delaware professor’s study shows that Wilmington’s parking fines and fees are a larger source of revenue than in many American cities but represent an inefficient way to finance city operations. The city has taken issue with the study that included a survey of residents.
Conducting the study was by Stephen Metraux, PhD, associate professor, and director of the Center for Community Research and Service at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration with the University of Delaware. The report, “Fines & Fees Collection and Enforcement in Wilmington, Delaware,” was commissioned by the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team with financial support from Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice Initiative.
“The report found that the City of Wilmington collects fines and fees revenue in amounts that are substantially higher than is typical for US cities,” said Lynne Kielhorn, member of the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team. “Where fees and fines generate, on average, between 1% and 2% of a city’s revenue, in 2022 fees and fines represented 4.4% of Wilmington’s general revenue.”
“While these fines and fees can be seen as an inconvenience for some, many residents experience them as true burdens leading to hard decisions between paying the city or paying for groceries,” Kielhorn said. According to the report in every year since 2018, enforcement and collection costs have represented the majority of Wilmington’s fees and fines revenue. In 2022, the city netted 44 cents of every dollar collected in fees and fines to use for other municipal services.
One finding cited by city officials was the annual rise in ticket revenues.
“This finding is misleading. For example, in FY 2011 parking ticket revenue reached a high of $6.1 million, but as of FY 2023, this revenue has dropped to $2.1 million. The increase in Red Light Camera ticket revenue is the result of 10 cameras being added in 2020 due to high accident conditions at various intersections,” said Brett Taylor, city finance director. “Red light camera intersections are approved by DelDOT based on engineering and safety data. Also, the rates for Red Light Camera violations in Wilmington are equal to those used across the State of Delaware.
According to the report in every year since 2018, enforcement and collection costs have represented the majority of Wilmington’s fees and fines revenue. In 2022, the city netted 44 cents of every dollar collected in fees and fines to use for other municipal services.
“No one really wins here,” said City Council Member Shane Darby. “Wilmington’s fines and fees system is an inefficient way to raise revenue and it creates a significant financial burden for many households who receive parking and red light tickets.”
The survey portion of the study, conducted by the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Team indicates that over two-thirds (69%) of respondents faced financial difficulties paying for these violations, with 56% seeking one of four specific means of external assistance to pay these violations. Non-white individuals were significantly overrepresented among both the groups of survey respondents who were highly impacted and/or faced financial hardship.
“The survey is not a representative sample of Wilmington’s general population,” Deputy Chief of Staff Rago stated. The survey was limited to 188 people who were not selected randomly. The survey methodology does not consider the opinions of the broader Wilmington population. In fact, and to the university’s credit, this deficiency is stated directly in the report. The city therefore does not see the results of this survey as being useful in drawing broad conclusions about the population of people who receive parking tickets.”
The City of Wilmington has made changes to the system, but Wilmington Fines and Fees says efforts have fallen short.
Legislation has been introduced to reduce parking tickets, but has been stalled due to revenue issues. A reform ordinance is up for consideration later this month, Delaware Public Media reported.
