Cape Elizabeth residents rejected charging non-residents fees at Fort Williams Park.

The referendum for a so-called pay/display parking fee was voted down 3,145 to 1,951. The vote may lay the issue to rest for years to come.

Charging fees has been an idea repeatedly brought up in past years by the town council and was recently the center of an intense debate among residents and council members.

Rosemarie Townsend, of Brentwood Road, said on Tuesday evening that she was against the fees because she did not see it adding much revenue for the town and she felt fees would encourage vandalism.

“Other towns leave open their parks,” said Townsend, who said she felt it was part of Cape’s civic responsibility to keep it free.

“I’m for it,” said Peter McFarland of Penny Lane, Cape Elizabeth, after voting Tuesday night. He said if town taxpayers pay for it, people who use it should help out too.

Sarah Nelson of Mitchell Road said she voted against the fee. “I like not having to pay when I go.”

After a lengthy and vocal discussion by citizens and councilors this year, the town council voted against the proposed fee question, 4-3, during an Aug. 14 meeting. However, in a 5-2 vote, the council decided to put the question on the ballot.

As the question stood, the fees would have been collected according to a pay/display proposal where a system of kiosks would be placed within the park. Visiting non-residents could have used a credit card or other payment to purchase a parking sticker.

The proposed fees would have been $5 a day or $25 for a seasonal pass. Busses and trolleys would have had to pay $20 a day or $100 for a seasonal pass. Cape residents would have been able to park free of charge when displaying a recycling center car decal.