Peoria raises rotational tow fee to $200 and allows $5 per mile within city to shore up reliable service

The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance increasing the city’s rotational tow fee to $200 effective June 1 and allowing tow companies to charge $5 per mile within Peoria for rotational calls.

Corporation Counsel John Hayes, presenting the item, said the current rotational system relies on a short list of reliable tow companies who guarantee timely response for police scenes; the present flat fee had last been adjusted in 2020 and then with an annual escalation that left the fee at $175 as of January 2024. Hayes told council that staff originally recommended a stepped increase over several years but that local tow operators convinced staff the pace should be accelerated and that mileage within city limits should be billable at $5 per mile to address fuel, insurance and labor costs. Hayes also cited other jurisdictions for comparison, noting state police charge $250 and some peer cities charge $200.

Hayes asked council to set the fee immediately at $200 through 2028 and to permit a $5 per‑mile charge inside Peoria — a change that previously applied only when a vehicle was towed out of the city. Council members asked questions about how often mileage could push totals higher and how the new schedule compared with other municipal and state rates.

Council member Kelly moved to approve; council member Euler seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Staff said the increase will help keep a reliable rotational tow list available to clear police incidents quickly and that tow operators presented rising costs for insurance and operations as a reason for the accelerated change.

What happens next: The ordinance will be published and staff will monitor the rotational list and performance of tow vendors; council indicated it will review fees again in 2028.