Many of the businesses in the downtown area are quick, in-and-out shops. By charging a dollar an hour to park there with no option of less than a dollar to park, the business at in-and-out places will suffer. 

The change from twenty-five cents an hour to $1.00 an hour was drastic. By allowing a 15 minute increment, it will make it more reasonable for someone just stopping in for a minute or two.