(07/24/06) HOBOKEN ? Continual sparring between Hoboken officials and the owners of the city's only automated parking garage may result in a tough situation for many drivers.

The automated garage, owned by Robotics Parking, is slated for closure on August 1. Many residents who use the garage say the operation sometimes runs into annoying delays and problems. Although the city owns the garage and equipment, Robotics owns the software and is paid about $23,000 per month by the Hoboken government. Robotics representatives say most of the operation?s problems stem from the city giving them unqualified personnel to operate the garage.

Robotics says they are now asking Hoboken for an additional $4,650 per month to hire and train qualified workers. However, city officials have refused the increase and even voted to terminate the contract. Robotics has now decided to end its operations at the garage as a result of the standoff. There is a slight chance both sides could reconcile before August 1, but drivers aren?t pinning their hopes on a positive outcome.