Abandoned‑vehicle abatement staff report shows rising vehicle removals; board approves ABA budget

Authority staff presented a status report on the Del Norte Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (ABA) service and told the board that vehicle abatements are increasing, with notable recent activity involving recreational vehicles.

The board then approved the ABA proposed budget for fiscal year 2025–26.

Why it matters: the ABA program funds removal and disposal of inoperable or abandoned vehicles. Rising counts and RVs can increase towing, pump‑out and demolition costs and affect the ABA budget and revenue needs.

What staff reported: the presenter said the authority conducted multiple abatements and that numbers “are continuing to climb,” and noted that many recent cases involve RVs. Staff introduced Bridal Hicks as a new code enforcement officer who is being trained on the vehicle abatement process and has begun absorbing some casework.

Matters raised by board members: one commissioner asked whether nonprofit vehicle‑donation programs (for example, Cars for Kids or Habitat for Humanity pickup programs) could be an avenue to reduce authority costs. Staff said they would investigate, but warned that many donation programs require clear title for the vehicle to be picked up and that title issues can make donations infeasible in some ABA cases.

Board vote: the ABA budget for 2025–26 was approved by roll call (Commissioners Tompkins, Short, Greenough and Chair Wilson all voting yes).

Ending: staff will finalize ABA budget documents and continue quarterly reporting. The ABA status report will be included in future meetings as staff completes additional calculations for the fourth quarter.