Anyone who has gotten a street sweeping ticket in Bellevue this year probably has paid more than the borough had any authority to charge.

Bellevue Council voted Tuesday to approve the third and final reading of an ordinance that increases the fine from $10 to $15 for people who park in prohibited areas on street sweeping days, but pay the fine within 10 days. The ticket cost increases after the 10-day period.

Mayor George Doscher questioned the ordinance at Tuesday’s council meeting, stating that the police department had been handing out tickets at the increased rate since spring.

The ordinance increasing the rate must be signed by the mayor and advertised before police have any authority to write tickets at the $15 price.