The Harrisburg Parking Authority Wednesday night narrowly approved Mayor Stephen Reed's plan to lease the city's parking garages. The vote went 3-2 in what is the first of three steps needed to pass the proposal.

Mayor Reed says the plan would raise several million dollars that would go toward paying off the city's debt and the bonds that were issued by the Authority. He says the leasing plan would also result in tax rebates for Harrisburg residents and allow the city to hire extra police officers and public works employees.

Several union members employed by the Harrisburg Parking Authority showed up at the meeting to urge the board to vote against the proposal. They are concerned about their employment and were not appeased by assurances from the Mayor that they would not lose their jobs and would in fact get pay raises and better benefits.

Several City Council members had also asked the board to vote against the proposal until an agreement could be reached with the union that represents the parking employees. Councilman Dan Miller is concerned that the city could be liable for some $2 million if it breaks its current agreement with the AFSCME union.

The plan now has to be approved by the union and then needs to be given final approval by City Council.

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