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Berkeley County adopts revised towing policy under state code
Summary
The commission adopted an updated county towing policy drafted by the deputy legal director and reviewed with sheriff's office staff; the policy creates steps for suspending or removing towing companies from the county rotation and codifies standards for equipment and facilities.
The Berkeley County Commission adopted a revised county towing policy after a staff presentation and discussion of procedural safeguards for towing companies.
Deputy legal director Jeff Mausey told the commission that the West Virginia State Code requires counties to adopt and periodically revise a towing policy, and that the sheriff’s office administers the county’s towing list and rotation. “The West Virginia State Code requires the county commission to adopt and periodically, revise, look at, and reapprove, towing policy for the county to be used,” Mausey said during his presentation.
Mausey and county staff described the update as a rewrite of an older policy that adds industry‑standard requirements and a process for sanctioning a towing vendor if the sheriff’s office identifies violations or unsafe practices. The revised policy allows the sheriff to suspend or remove a tow company from the rotation for regulatory or criminal violations, and it requires applicants to demonstrate appropriate equipment and facility capacity before being placed on the county list. Mausey said the draft was prepared with input from the sheriff’s office, 9‑1‑1 dispatch, and other local staff.
Commission discussion covered how the 9‑1‑1 center maintains a rotation and that motorists may still choose a private tow vendor at the scene. Commissioners asked whether the policy imposed onerous new burdens on towing companies; staff replied the revisions track industry best practices and are not intended to be punitive. Commissioners also asked about a grievance or appeal process; Mausey said the policy sets out steps and is not designed for ad hoc removals and that the sheriff and county would work through issues with affected companies.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt the towing policy as presented; the commission voted by voice and the motion carried with commissioners saying “Aye.” Mausey said staff would draft a letter the sheriff’s office can send to previously listed towing companies explaining the updated policy and the application process.
The commission noted the West Virginia State Police and municipalities may use other towing arrangements; county policy governs towing companies on the county’s rotation for incidents the county handles.
Implementation: the sheriff’s office will notify companies and operate the application and site‑inspection process required by the policy. The county will return to the commission for future updates as needed.
