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Zion resident urges council to review towing contract after disputed charges
Summary
During public comment, Kathy Champine described a resident's towing bill she called excessive and urged the council to adjust the city's towing contract and police policies to prevent similar charges.
At the March 4 Zion City Council meeting, resident Kathy Champine used the public-comment period to urge the council to review the city's towing contract and police policies after a local woman received what Champine described as an excessive bill.
Champine said the resident's vehicle should have cost $165 in towing and $195 in storage, for a total of $360, but the woman was billed $457.60. Champine cited line items she said appeared on the bill: $225 for towing, a $20 fuel surcharge and $17.60 for reasons she did not understand. She said the only citation was for an SR-22 violation that was later voided in court after the woman produced proof of insurance.
Champine said officers searched the woman's car and purse after she gave permission because she was frightened; she called the total charges "predatory business" and asked the council to adjust the city's contract and police policies to prevent similar outcomes. "Our residents can't afford this," Champine said.
Mayor McCain thanked Champine for her comments. The item was raised as public comment; no immediate council action was recorded during the meeting. Champine asked the council to review towing-charge itemizations and monthly tow reports the Zion Police Department is required to receive, noting the police department should monitor discrepancies.
