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Police outline tow‑rotation practice as towing companies and residents raise RV disposal concerns
Summary
Lebanon Police presented its non‑preference towing rotation and said four tow companies are currently on the list. Operators from Rogers Towing spoke during public comment about costs and contamination testing for abandoned RVs and urged the city to verify that towed RVs are dismantled and disposed of at licensed facilities.
Lebanon Police and local towing contractors discussed the city’s non‑preference tow rotation during the June 10 work session after public comments and questions from council.
Police Chief Stevenson said the department operates a rotational non‑preference tow list — used when drivers have no towing preference — to ensure timely clearance of crashes and abandoned vehicles. Current rotation members listed by staff are Lebanon Towing, AA Towing, Aerostar Towing and Rogers Towing.
Stevenson said the rotation helps clear roadways quickly; last year the city conducted about 196 non‑preference tows. He also said some tower companies recently agreed to take trailers and RVs, which has reduced delays in removal.
Rogers Towing owner Lewis Rucker and Rogers GM Sean Rucker addressed council during public comment. They said Rogers’ security yard is within the city rotation and provided the yard address (33933 Texas Street SW, Albany). They described having handled complex RV cleanups previously and noted state requirements for hazardous materials testing and asbestos inspections for older RVs. Lewis Rucker asked the city to consider verifying that towed RVs are taken to licensed facilities for abatement and proper disposal.
Rucker said that materials such as Freon, refrigerators and asbestos‑containing components require specialized handling and that abatement and disposal costs can be substantial.
Police staff said when a tow company cannot respond in time, officers rotate to the next provider; the policy requires tow vendors be within a set mileage radius.
Ending
Police said they will continue using the rotational non‑preference system to clear roadways and manage abandoned vehicles. Rogers Towing asked the city to confirm dismantling/abatement procedures for removed RVs; staff indicated they would follow up.
