Local tow operator tells council fee changes cost him nearly $12,000; chief promises follow-up email

A local tow operator told the Tuscaloosa City Council he lost revenue after changes to release-fee rules for nonconsensual tows during football-game periods and asked the city for an update on the ordinance changes. The operator said the city removed a $75 release fee he previously charged for certain tows. "Last year alone, I had to release 151 cars during that 2 hour time frame...I lost...a total of $11,778," he said, and added that changes to merchant card fees increased his costs. He said the regulation now requires him to be open during a two-hour period after games and that signage and other measures have not prevented chronic parking violations on and near campus. He said the requirement to accept card payments at a lower reimbursement rate cost him additional fees and described the effect on his business and customers. Police follow-up: Chief Clark responded that the chief's office and city staff have been working on the matter with the city attorney’s office. "I apologize. I do not have an immediate update, but I will when I get to work at 8 in the morning, I will check and I'll have you an email out before 10AM," Clark said. Why it matters: The complaint concerns enforcement and administrative changes that affect private tow operators and businesses that rely on private towing to manage parking. The speaker framed the issue in financial terms and pointed to the operational impact during busy game-day periods. Status and next steps: The transcript records no formal action or vote on towing rules. Chief Clark committed to checking the status of the ordinance and sending an email to the speaker before 10 a.m.; council and staff did not record a formal deadline or motion on the council floor during the meeting.