County renews annual tow service agreement; no rate increase recommended

The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners approved the county’s 2025 tow service provider agreement, a yearly contract that sets maximum charges and governs which tow companies respond when deputies request services. The motion passed unanimously.

Jake Broadbent, a management analyst in county administration, told the board staff met with local tow operators earlier in the year and that operators had requested a rate increase for motorist‑assist calls. Broadbent said operators noted that fees for other services largely offset the loss they incur on motorist assist calls, and staff therefore recommended keeping current rates. The agreement lists the maximum charges; participation by individual tow firms is voluntary and the county maintains a roster of eight operators that may choose to participate.

A member of the public, Gene Dorsey, commented that lower gas prices had reduced tow operators’ costs compared with the previous year, and commissioners praised the annual meetings with tow operators as a useful way to negotiate the contract. The board approved the agreement 5‑0.

Why it matters: The agreement standardizes towing fees and how the county engages local tow operators when a deputy requests a tow or when a vehicle is abandoned on county roads. Keeping the motorist‑assist rate unchanged reflects staff analysis and operators’ feedback.

What’s next: County staff will execute the annual agreement and continue regular meetings with tow operators; no immediate changes to motorist‑assist fees were directed.