Resident raises concerns about off‑site towing in Sweet Home; city manager to investigate

A Lebanon resident told the Sweet Home City Council Tuesday that a tow company on the Sweet Home police rotation is storing towed vehicles well outside the city and charging high fees, and the council asked staff to investigate.

Trevor Lee, who identified himself as 400 Barker Street, Lebanon, told the council he had contacted Sweet Home police and raised concerns that Rogers Towing “is located 30 miles between, Albany and Corvallis on Highway 34,” and that the company’s practices include towing and charging high fees for removal and storage.

Lee said the city’s tow‑rotation paperwork requires a facility within 15 miles of Sweet Home and the ability to respond within 30 minutes. He described instances of what he and associations call “predatory towing,” including towing of RVs and charging sizable fees for removal and disposal; he said that requires residents to travel long distances to retrieve vehicles and pay higher charges.

City staff told the council they had not received formal complaints about the company’s performance but that the matter would be researched. The city manager said he would contact Lebanon authorities to learn whether that city had raised similar concerns and promised follow‑up: “I think I’ll reach out to them and do a little research and see what I can figure out.”

Councilors asked staff to verify the city’s tow‑rotation rules and to report back with any complaints or documentation. The council did not take formal action at the meeting.

The council’s tow‑rotation policy referenced during testimony includes a 15‑mile facility location preference and a 30‑minute response requirement; staff noted the policy can be modified and that final inclusion on the rotation is at the city manager’s discretion.

No enforcement action or change to the rotation was made at Tuesday’s meeting; staff said they will report findings to the council.