Chicago disputes parking meter co. bill

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CHICAGO, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Chicago officials say the city owes the company that operates its parking meters far less for lost revenue than Chicago Parking Meters LLC claims.

The company puts the city's unpaid bill at $25.4 million in reimbursement for parking spaces temporarily closed down for street festivals or street repairs, the Chicago Tribune reported. Chicago has calculated its tab at $2.9 million.

"The disparity between their worldview and our view is quite significant," Lois Scott, Chicago chief financial officer, told the Tribune Monday.

The company and the city are about to enter mediation on a second bill, $35.6 million for parking spaces used by drivers with disabled plates and placards.

Scott said many non-disabled drivers abuse the privilege to get free parking. She said a new law that takes effect in 2013 limits free parking to drivers physically unable to get to meters.