As a division of the Boothbay Harbor Police Department, municipal parking's focus is on maintaining law and order when it comes to parking. That includes patrolling spaces.

With four lots open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and street parking around town, the 361 spaces combined keep the staff very busy and generate more than $100,000 a year for the town.

Seven seasonal employees make it all happen from June 1 to Columbus Day: a supervisor, two walk-and-chalk employees and four lot attendants who work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in spring and fall. The chalk marks a tire on each car parked on the street. This mark corresponds to the time. If a car exceeds its two- or four-hour limit, a ticket is left on the windshield. Supervisor Louis Burnham said it takes about an hour to make a loop, depending in part on how much talking takes place. Police Chief Bob Hasch encourages the team to keep public relations in mind and use a welcoming approach.

The Oak Street lot is metered so a little less work.  If the red flag goes up, the time is up.

After hours, an honor box is used at each of the lots. Anyone who wants to park can fill out a slip and deposit the fee. Becky Hart at the Howard Street lot said most people are honest and use it. If an attendant detects that a car hasn't paid, a green slip asking for payment goes on the windshield. Parking on the street after 4 p.m. and before 8 a.m. is free. Handicapped spaces are free at all times.

Bob Pascal likes working at the footbridge lot because everyone has to drive by his booth, coming and going, which makes it easier to keep track of who has paid.

Burnham said Boothbay Harbor Municipal Parking is always looking for help. If interested, call (207) 350-6198.