During its last meeting, the Barnwell City Council tabled the issue over the two-hour parking limit around the Circle for the time being.

This was a wise move.

The issue has become a contentious one between the city, Circle merchants, their employees and others.

The idea originally behind the timed parking limit was to make sure there was enough parking spaces on the Circle to allow residents and (hopefully) tourists or visitors to find nearby parking. They would then be within walking distance to carry out their business at city hall, the courthouse or the stores around the Circle.

However, a parking space becomes a premium spot when court is in session. Then the Circle is filled with the vehicles of jurors and others called to court.

When court is in session, the back parking lot between Wall Street and the post office is not adequate enough for court participants as well as county employees who work in the courthouse.

However, as people from one side of the issue have pointed out, a two-hour parking limit could have a negative effect on encouraging downtown shopping.

In one sense, this is a problem that is being tackled too soon. The parking problem is most noticeable when court is in session. At other times, there are usually spaces available.

When parking gets scarce on a regular basis because of even more commerce downtown, then the problem should be re-addressed.

And to keep things in perspective, when that problem occurs, it will be a good thing, because it's a growing pain, not an issue.

For now, the best thing City Council can do is encourage Circle merchants and their employees to park in the side lots off the Circle.

The city should also ensure that adequate street lights are burning in the back lots for the safety of those parking there.

Jurors, who are able, should also be asked to park off the Circle as it's only a short walk to the courthouse.