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Tow operators urge rate increase; committee brings tow‑rate recommendation back in one week
Summary
Tow Rate Commission members and tow operators urged the committee to approve updated tow rates — the first increase since 2013 — and the committee voted to bring the proposal back in one week for further action.
Members of the Detroit Tow Rate Commission and police‑authorized towers asked the committee to approve new tow rates they said are overdue, citing that rates have not changed since 2013.
Peggy Goodwin, representing police‑authorized towers and a member of the Tow Rate Commission, told the committee that towers have not received a rate increase since 2013 and said the fee compensates towers for time on scene whether work lasts 30 minutes or several hours. “We believe these rates are fair and justified in supporting the hardworking police authorized towers in Detroit who work in one of the most dangerous professions,” Goodwin said.
Other tow operators echoed the request and asked council members to consider hardship assistance for vehicle‑owners who cannot pay impound fees. Felicia Brock, representing BBK Towing and Recovery Inc., told the committee the rate increase is “a necessity for us” and asked for due consideration.
Council action
The committee did not adopt new rates at this meeting. The committee voted to bring agenda item 5.17 (set administrative towing service and storage fees per the Tow Rate Commission recommendation) back in one week to allow further review and dialogue between Council staff and the Tow Rate Commission.
Background
Council staff and the Tow Rate Commission previously circulated the proposed rates and conducted follow‑up outreach with Council members to answer questions ahead of this meeting. The commission presented proposed rates in September (dates provided by the Tow Rate Commission during committee remarks). The committee asked the chair to work with council members on outstanding questions and scheduled a one‑week return for the item.
Quote
“We ask that you support the tow rates as the police authorized towers in Detroit have not received any increase since 2013,” Peggy Goodwin said.
Ending
The committee deferred final action and requested additional review; the item will return for committee consideration in one week.
