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Commission adopts updated towing ordinance fee schedule; industry voices support
Summary
The Leon County Commission adopted an ordinance update and resolution establishing a maximum fee schedule for nonconsensual towing and storage services after staff and industry developed new rates; the vote was unanimous.
The Leon County Board of County Commissioners approved updates to county code governing towing services and a related fee schedule during a public hearing, moving to adopt staff's recommendation with unanimous approval.
What was approved: County staff presented an ordinance that would amend Chapter 6, Article 2 (Code Enforcement Board) and repeal and replace Chapter 11, Article 9 (Towing Services) of the Leon County Code of Laws. The item included a resolution establishing a schedule of maximum fees for nonconsensual towing and vehicle storage consistent with the proposed ordinance.
Why staff recommended the change: Staff told commissioners the towing industry approached the county seeking updated rates to reflect current market conditions. The proposed fee changes are intended to offset a portion of administration costs for licensing and for inspections of vehicles and storage facilities; the towing ordinance is administered by the Leon County Sheriff's Office. The draft also includes administrative fines enforceable by a special magistrate for violations of the ordinance.
Industry comment and support Jim Patton of Jim Patton Towing, speaking for the 16 companies on the county rotation list, said the group supported the ordinance and the attached fee schedule. "We are 100 in support of this entire ordinance and resolution," Patton told the commission, adding that 15 of the 16 companies were comfortable with the proposed sheriff's department rates and the remaining company was "still in sticker shock." Patton thanked staff, the county attorney's office, the sheriff's department and consolidated dispatch for their work.
Commission action and vote Commissioner Proctor moved to adopt staff recommendation (option 1); Commissioner Maddox seconded. The board voted in favor by voice vote; the clerk recorded the motion as passing unanimously.
Fiscal and implementation notes Staff said the proposed fees would partially offset licensing and inspection costs administered by the Sheriff's Office. The ordinance also creates a schedule of administrative fines that a special magistrate may impose on towing or storage businesses found in violation.
Ending note With the commission's unanimous action, staff will proceed to finalize ordinance language and the fee schedule for implementation by the Sheriff's Office under the terms described in the agenda packet.
