The switch to paid parking in the downtown area is a result of recommendations Mayor Carol Waller brought back from an MIT seminar and the need to find additional revenue to fund much-needed infrastructure improvements, officials said.

In the introduction trustee Paul Kuhn said the reason the board is looking for new revenue sources other than taxes was ``simple’’ _ the village is looking at more than $7.5 million in infrastructure work in the next few years. Kuhn said the board wants to include $5.6 million in next year’s budget for street work and its accompanying water and sewer upgrades.

``These are projects which must be completed,’’ said Kuhn, who heads the village finance committee. ``The village is decaying.’’

The work can be paid for through taxes, bonds or new revenues, he said. New revenue would help keep those costs off the backs of tax payers.

Trustee Eric Hage described paid parking as an excellent opportunity to bring in revenue estimated to be between $200,000 and $1,000,000 annually.

``We’re asking you to pay a little (for a permit) to get back much more,’’ he said.

Mayor Waller told residents she and the board were trying to run the village like a business and do not want to raise taxes. The county will not give Cooperstown more sales or bed tax revenues despite repeated requests and the belief the village is responsible for generating a great deal of both, she said.

``We can’t have 2,000 people continue to support tourism,’’ she said.

The plan calls for parking fees to be charged for two-hour spaces, but not for handicap and 15 minute spaces. Permits, which may be purchased by residents and non-residents alike, would cost $10 and allow motorists to park free in paid spots.

The $10 for the parking permit would not generate additional revenue, but was a processing fee to cover administrative expenses, officials said.

Fair Street resident Stephen Mahlum said he would support the local law enabling paid parking as it is now written. He added that does not support the use of parking meters.

A $10 permit payment for residents seems like a cheap price to pay to get back $200,000 or more, Mahlum said. ``It’s definitely a good investment.’’

``I think that $10 for a resident for all year is cheap as dirt. I would gladly pay more,’’ commented Pam Good. ``I don’t consider it a bad thing to pay to park. Most people in the village live close enough to walk.’’

Main Street businessman Vincent Russo, who owns a paid parking lot on Chestnut Street, asked if any thought had been given to using some of the new revenue to reduce property taxes?

Jason Oliver said he thought it was a well-intentioned plan, but was concerned it may increase traffic on streets around Main Street.

``It seems like a lot of emphasis on creating new revenue,’’ he said. `` I wonder if as much attention has been given to reducing costs?’’

Howard Talbot, a former mayor, said he did not agree with running the village as a business _ it is there to provide services. ``It should be the farthest thing from your mind,’’ he said. ``It’s not in keeping with what Cooperstown stands for.’’

John Rudy said he applauded the police committee and board of trustees for their efforts to enhance revenue and asked if there had been any discussions with not-for-profit, tax exempt institutions about payments in lieu of taxes to make things more equitable.

``We did approach the Hall of Fame, but were turned down, said Mayor Waller.

``Those would be conversations with pursuing,’’ said Mebust.

B&B owner Jim Vrooman said he believes $10 is a small fee to pay for parking and that his guests expect to pay for parking.

John Odell said he thinks the law looks great _ something he can support. The nominal $10 fee will leverage much more, he said, adding that he would have no objection to an expanded area for paid parking.

``The parking problem is not solvable,’’ said Rick Hulse, who was initially opposed to paid parking. ``This place had been over promoted and we need to do everything we can to optimize revenue in this village. I think you have a good idea.’’

Russo suggested the board may want to begin with just Doubleday Field whose 150 space could each generate $1,500 to $2,000 annually. It would be possible to save money on the number of machines needed and not create all the inconveniences and issues with on-street paid parking.

Any changes in the law must be made by October 5, at least 10 days prior to the public hearing. The village police committee plans to address the law during a meeting Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in the village meeting room.

The board of trustees has scheduled a public hearing on the parking law and guidelines for Oct. 15 at 8:30 p.m.