Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board authorizes public hearing on towing‑fee ordinance after debate over predatory practices
Summary
The board authorized a public hearing to revise county towing fees and remove an expired fuel surcharge. The motion passed 6‑1 after supervisors expressed concern about predatory towing and requested separation of the expired‑surcharge cleanup from proposed fee increases.
The board voted 6‑1 to authorize a public hearing on an ordinance that would remove an expired fuel surcharge and update towing fees for private‑property tows.
What the change covers: The item on the consent agenda would remove a $20 fuel surcharge that expired July 1 and would also update the county’s towing fees. County staff and police representatives told the board the General Assembly authorized certain private‑property tow provisions this spring and directed the county to align its ordinance with state law; the proposed ordinance amendments also include other fee changes.
Discussion: Supervisor Boddy asked that the board separate the housekeeping removal of the expired surcharge from the proposed increases because local leaders are simultaneously pursuing directives to curb predatory towing practices. Chief’s representatives (Lieutenant Richard McConaughey and tow coordinator Evan Johnson) explained the fuel surcharge expired and that the broader ordinance revisions are moving through the county attorney’s office and will return in September.
Motion and outcome: The board voted 6‑1 to authorize a public hearing; Supervisor Boddy cast the lone no vote, saying she opposed even placing the fee increases before the public while towing reform work continues. Supervisors who supported the public hearing said they wanted the public to have a chance to comment on state‑authorized changes and on fees.
Next steps: Staff will schedule and advertise the public hearing and return a full ordinance package for formal read‑and‑adoption actions later this year.
