Staff and faculty are paying more to park their vehicles on campus during the 2005-06 school year as a result of the first increase in parking fees since the 1999-00 school year.

A red or blue permit that reserves spaces from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for staff and faculty now costs $561, compared to $435 for the 2004-05 school year.

The red or blue permits reserving spaces at all times for faculty and staff increased about 26 percent, from $510 to $642.

Yellow and orange permits for students increased 26 percent, from about $303 to $382.

Campus Parking Services had not increased prices since the 1999-2000 school year, said Laura Lundelius, coordinator of parking and traffic.

“Permit fees have not been increased in nearly six years, yet operational and maintenance expenses continue to climb,” Lundelius said. “Funds are needed to improve and upkeep existing parking areas and to save for future parking needs. We would also like to improve our enforcement efforts and keep the parking office properly staffed to better serve our customers.”

There are other changes to parking fees. An increase of 4 percent for non-reserved student parking spots will amount to $1 or $2 per year, depending on the type of permit.

A blue parking pass will increase 8 percent, which translates to an extra $6.

Given the increase in operating expenses and maintenance for the lots, the raise in prices was approved, said Norm Jenkins, chair of the campus parking committee.

“We’re proud of the fact that we had such a long stretch [without raising prices],” Jenkins said.

Jenkins said that when compared to other schools, NIU remains underpriced when it comes to parking permit rates.

“It’s a very small increase,” Lundelius said, “It’s only a couple of bucks.”

The additional revenue from the increase will be used to pay for overhead, maintenance, wages and operating costs.