CHAMPAIGN — New parking meters will be installed in the core of the downtown area within the next few months after the city council voted 6-2 in support of a trial program for mechanisms that would accept credit and debit card payments.

The vote was not without some hesitation — the technology is very new, and some members wondered whether the meters themselves and the California company that administrates them will stand up to the test.

"This is the same trepidation we all feel when we buy a new computer or a new cellphone," said Craig Rost, deputy city manager for economic development.

The trial will cost $5,500. IPS Group will rent 37 meters to the city to install on Walnut Street north of University Avenue and Chester Street. After a six-month trial period, city council members will decide whether they want to buy a total of 176 "smart meters" for downtown and Campustown.

City officials are looking to install the meters "not just because it's cutting edge and cool, but it's because it's what customers demand and want," assistant planning director Rob Kowalski said. The idea is to provide customer service while bolstering Champaign's reputation as a "micro-urban" community.

But the equipment is new, which consequently means it is largely untested. That raised issues for some council members, who either voted against the trial or hesitated in their yes votes.

"It's one company, and there's just not much data out there," said council member Kyle Harrison, who voted against the proposal.

IPS Group is the only company the city knows of that offers the technology and the support and related charges that come with it, and council member Marci Dodds had a similar concern: "I am incredibly troubled by this single vendor," she said.

But others, like council member Michael La Due, said the technology is "refreshing."

"We're at risk at not being on the cutting edge," member Tom Bruno said.

City officials will monitor changes in costs, revenues, maintenance and enforcement during the trial period and report back to the council when it is complete. They are also curious how users will respond to the meters, and how the meters will react to winter temperatures.

If the council eventually decides to buy the full order of 176 meters, the purchase is expected to cost $130,000 in the first year and $21,000 annually thereafter for maintenance and other related charges.