Parking in State College is a sore subject for students and residents, with limited spaces and poor locations. But now, even the borough seems to be facing some issues.

Last week, State College Borough Assistant Manager Tom Kurtz said the parking budget was struggling and that parking revenues are no longer helping to recover costs.

Because of this, metered lots and garages could see increases in the future.

While such a move would surely upset some of the more thrifty drivers in the area, a rise in prices would still keep parking costs relatively low compared to other locales.

And given that prices for everything continue to rise because of inflation, it's only logical that this fee will increase too.

Part of the problem stems from the inability to fill the garages.

The additional parking deck on Beaver Avenue, while convenient, rarely reaches anything close to capacity on non-football weekends, and considering the structure cost $11 million to build, eight weekends of high volume will not subsidize that expense for some time.

Meanwhile, Penn State has worsened the situation for the borough by continuing to build garages, further hindering the borough's ability to generate revenue.

On weekends, the parking garages on campus are free while those lots downtown retain hourly rates. So, despite being relatively cheap compared to other cities, spots downtown are not the economic alternative beginning Friday nights, especially for those who want overnight parking.

But the borough could help the situation on its own. When the council members adopted the measures to build the garage on Beaver Avenue, part of the resolution included signs around town that would specify the number of spaces available in each garage.

This provides a quick way for patrons to find parking when traffic on Beaver and College avenues is high.

Parking will always be a sore subject in a town that has a high volume of people and drivers in a small area.

Costs need to be recuperated somewhere, and while it's unfortunate that students and residents will see another increase, it seems as though it is necessary.

And if you don't like it, well, park on campus and walk.