The controversy over the recent parking rate increase and expanded enforcement hours in downtown Lexington has prompted legislation from a top Senate Republican.

The Lexington and Fayette County Parking Authority likes park raised fees in some places by as much as $0.50 an hour.

The rate adjustment was due in part to a 6% sales tax applied to all parking at the beginning of the year, which affects parking authorities across the state.

In recent weeks, the Urban County Council approved a compromise agreement with Lux Park to return to free parking at downtown meters on weekends and weeknights.

Even though agreement was reached, Senate Republican leader Damien Thayer says his legislative remedy is still needed.

It unearthed a different situation, and that is we've got a public entity here unelected, not accountable to the voters, setting parking rates, passing a budget and in accordance with the law, something that I've been very consistent on.

I have a big problem when unelected boards can raise taxes and fees and spend money without being accountable to some sort of elected body.

They are.

Senate Bill 75 would put LAX park by law more directly under the authority of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council when it comes to budget rates and fees.

New fee or rate increase proposals would have to be sent to the council 45 days before that cost hike would take effect.

The council would have 30 days to approve or reject or reduce the rate increase.

James Frazier is chair of the Lexington and Fayette County Parking Authority, a six person board appointed by the mayor.

He says there is no taxpayer money being used to take care of downtown parking garages and on street parking, but revenues generated from parking fees.

He said the matter should also be left up to locals to decide, which, he says in Lexington is now moot.

The government and myself and my board got together in a room and worked out a deal.

Local people, local problems.

We've worked out our own issues.

Home rule has always been the way it is.

With all due respect, I don't think we need Frankfort to tell our local people how to deal with our problems.

And they were an issue.

Senator, I agree with you.

But look at the rate increase.

It's $0.50 an hour.

I mean, we haven't had a rate increase since 2008.

So it's not and I'm not going to lie.

We did pass on the signal that they were.

The measure passed with minor opposition from the committee and now waits for placement on the Senate floor docket.