City Fails to Balance the Budget After Parking Meter Malfunction

A parking meter malfunction has drastically impacted Venango County and its capital of Oil City, with a temporary police order preventing people from using the space.

According to sources, the meter, located just outside of the Venango County Museum on Seneca Street, has disappeared completely, with what experts are saying is an intentional removal for maintenance.

The sign became visible to the public at about 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Shortly thereafter, the Oil City stock market crashed, causing what many hope to be a temporary great depression.

It's uncertain when the meter will be up and functioning again. Whatever maintenance work must be done to repair the meter will likely take as long as it takes to repair a parking meter. Consequently, the city is looking for volunteers to stand on the street corner to receive change from anyone desiring to park in that space. Otherwise, the temporary police order sign will continue discouraging drivers from having a space that has served the community for decades.