The issue of charging a fee at Fort Williams Park finally will be settled on Election Day, when Cape Elizabeth residents have their say on a ballot question. It reads:

Would you favor the Town establishing a ‘pay/display’ parking fee for non-residents at Fort Williams Park to help support park maintenance and improvements?

The issue has been discussed for years. Most recently, the town council voted 4-3 against the question – after a lengthy and vocal discussion by citizens and councilors – at an Aug. 14 meeting. But the panel voted 5-2 put the question on the November ballot.

As the question stands, fees would be collected according to a pay/display system, in which kiosks would be placed within the park. Visitors would use a credit card or other payment to purchase a parking ticket. The proposed fees are $5 a day or $25 for a seasonal pass. Buses and trolleys would pay $20 a day or $100 for a seasonal pass. Cape residents would park for free when displaying a recycling center car decal.

Fees from the park are intended to pay for repairs to Goddard Mansion and other structures, park maintenance and the park/display implementation.

While many see this as a solution for the fort’s finances, others worry it is an imperfect solution that would encourage people to only drive through the park, discourage residents of surrounding towns and tour buses from visiting and fail at collecting enough money to make the repairs.