Motorists visiting Jim Thorpe will now pay a little more to park in the Carbon County Parking Lot on weekends.

On Thursday, the Carbon County Commissioners adopted a resolution officially putting an updated parking fee ordinance in effect. The ordinance increases parking fees from $12 for all day parking to $15 for all day in county-owned lots. RV and trailer fees will also increase from $25 to $30. Weekday rates of $8 for the day remain the same.

Commissioners’ Chairman Michael Sofranko said last month when the board advertised the updates that the increase still puts parking in Jim Thorpe as one of the cheapest around when it comes to tourist destinations.

One other change in the ordinance is sign postings that will limit the county’s liability in the event something is taken from a vehicle or forgotten.

Validated parking for residents doing county business during the week remains the same.

The commissioners expect the fee increase will help provide some extra funds to complete projects without having to go back to the taxpayer.

Sofranko pointed out a few projects, such as sidewalks and tree removal for safety reasons, that had been planned will be covered by a safety grant, so additional projects such as more lighting in the county lot, paving work and more at county-owned sites will be able to happen sooner than anticipated.

“Carbon County taxpayers pay enough,” he said last month. “Not every taxpayer uses it (Jim Thorpe), so this is a way to get money to help do those repairs and upgrades ... but you’re not going to see it on the real estate tax.”

Carbon County’s parking lot, located in the center of downtown Jim Thorpe, is one of the few lots to park in when visiting the borough.

The approximate 400-space lot routinely fills to capacity on weekends during events and in the summer.

To see the complete ordinance, go to www.carboncountypa.gov and scroll down to latest news and announcements.

In related matters, Commissioner Rocky Ahner announced that the county has been awarded a $26,786.97 safety grant from PCoRP, the county’s insurance carrier, to complete the tree removal and sidewalk renovation at the 76 Susquehanna St. building; purchase six more AED machines so that all county offices are equipped with them; and work in the Josiah White Park and at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

The commissioners commended the county safety committee, who has identified several issues on county-owned property that could be a potential hazard. This grant addresses some of the problems.