ASCC President Michael Barrita along with Chief of Police Richard Bukowiecki announced at Monday’s cabinet meeting that there is a possibility that the fee of parking permits will increase.

The price has not been set in stone but there is talk about the fee increasing from $20 to $30.

“The cost has not changed in 10 years, and we’re running out of money to keep up with the maintenance of the parking lots,” Bukowiecki stated.

With the extra money coming in from the parking permits, there will be more maintenance occurring in the parking lots.

Barrita stated that there will be less holes and the look of the parking lots will improve.

One of the main reasons the fee is being increased is because Cerritos fees are not the same as other neighboring campuses.

Barrita explained that colleges like El Camino charge $2 for a daily parking pass when Cerritos only charges $1.

With problems like the economy being in utter wreck, the extra income is extremely beneficial in these times.

“This is going to be tough and hard, but I rather pay the extra $10 than having one of my tires pop,” Barrita said.

Along with making the parking lots safer for students, there will be a wider range of extra parking spaces available.

Barrita explained that if the parking spaces were to run straight rather than perpendicular, there would be a 30 percent increase in parking.

Parking permits for summer sessions will also be increased. There is talk about the permits being increased an extra $10 to $15.

When it comes down to the point, this is being done for the students benefit. Some students wouldn’t mind paying the extra money.

“I’ll be fine with it, I have no problem with it since its parking for the entire semester,” said Amy Muro, business major.

Students like Hector Holguin, business administration major, say it will have no effect on him, since he doesn’t even park at the parking lots.

“I decided to park across the street this semester because finding parking at Cerritos is bad. Last semester I paid the $20 to park all the way in the corner of the parking lot, so it’s not worth it.”

Other students thought otherwise and feel the fee is unnecessary.

“My sister used to go to Southwestern College and the parking permit fee was high there, and when she came to Cerritos it was cool, it was inexpensive. But now that (the school is) thinking (about) increasing it, that is going to make is harder and it sucks,” said Cindy Boteo, culinary arts major.

The price of the fee is still up in the air and is still a work in progress.

Further information regarding the fee will be discussed at the ASCC Senate meeting on Jan. 28.