Area residents to be hit with higher fees

Lawmakers turn to charges, not taxes, to balance budgets Washington-area residents should brace for a litany of fee increases in coming months, as state and local governments have turned to the often cryptic and more politically acceptable charges to stem the tide of red ink.

Across the region, it will become more expensive to park your car, take a bus, purchase alcohol and even buy a vanity license plate, among other heightened consumer charges approved or being pursued to fill looming shortfalls.