Here is my story of how the City of Cedar Rapids stole $35 from me. I had been both living and working downtown. For the last four years I rented parking space from the city in the parkade behind the APAC building. Per month $35 x 12 months x 4 years = $1680 hard earned dollars I sent the city. I set up on ACH so they withdrew the payment paid on time every month.
Last month I moved away for work. I went to cancel the parking withdrawal. When I arrived at the office there was a sign that said due to rebudgeting or something the office moved and gave an address that I didnt know where it was. A couple days later I tried calling the office for assistance. All I got was a voicemail system that went in circles never connecting to anyone. I left a stern message for someone on a random voicemail. I finally got a call and was told to go to the office on the 2nd ave bridge.
I got there on January 27th. They told me they need 10 day notice to cancel the ACH on February 5th. No problem, I understand it is a process and they can refund me the money after. No, they said. Theyre keeping my money. I wont be using the service in February. Why should they get to keep the money for a service I cant use? They told me I could use the spot for another month or rent the spot to someone else. Well, the lot isnt even full and Im moving out of town so that makes no sense. All they said was sorry and it was their policy. I was moving out of town and had enough to deal with.
A week later after seeing the $35 withdrawal I was furious. I called and spoke with the manager Sue and explained the situation the difficulty in finding them, etc. They said it was their policy to cancel 10 days and gave no consideration for the situation. They even said part of the 10 days was so they could sell the spot to someone else. They must have thought I was an idiot. I explained the lot is not sold out so how would that work? No answer. Basically they are using their so called authority to keep my money.
Further consider this. During the four years there my car was broke into twice. Repairing this damage cost around $190. When I contacted the parking department regarding this they did nothing. They further refuse to add any security measures like video or cctv. I was lucky I guess because my thieves knew how to break a lock. My friend had a brick thrown through her car in the same lot.
I dont recommend parking downtown. Not only for your mental health but also for the security of your personal property. If you absolutely have to then dont give them access to your bank account.instead set up an online payment through your bank where a check will be mailed to them. Usually this is a free. This will make sure you are in control and you wont have a headache dealing with people who use any excuse to keep your hard earned money.
If anyone has had similar instances please post them.
Thanks.
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