Seattle looking for money in increased fees and fines.

• Position: News Briefs - Brief Article

To help close an estimated general fund budget gap of $60 million for 2003, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels wants to raise at least 367 of the city's 1,000-plus fees and fines. The proposed increases range from building permits and parking meters to aquaerium tickets and furnace installations. The increased fees and fines are expected to raise an estimated $7.7 million fot the general fund. The mayor also wants to raise rates for trash collection, sewage treatment, and drainage to generate an additional $20 million--$2 million of which would go to the general fund. Despite all of the proposed...