Comal County adopts local towing order after extensive public comment; rotation list, discipline matrix, and county-only billing clarified

Comal County Commissioners on Nov. 6 adopted Order No. 552, a local regulation governing wrecker and towing services used for county-ordered tows (including evidentiary tows, county-owned vehicle tow requests and abandoned vehicles). The order establishes a process for accepting applications to a county rotation list, defines who is eligible for that list, sets response-time expectations, and creates a discipline matrix for noncompliance.

Staff framed the order as compatible with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversight while adding county-specific requirements. "As you know, we've been working on this, for quite some time," staff said, and emphasized that TDLR licenses and vehicle-storage-facility (VSF) standards factor into the county's approach.

Key provisions adopted

- Rotation list and application deadline: Interested TDLR-licensed towing companies that also independently own a vehicle storage facility located in Comal County may submit a fully executed application to the Comal County Sheriff's Office by Dec. 1. The sheriff will forward recommended agreements to the court prior to Feb. 1 for formal execution. The rotation assignment will list two towing companies per week to be called on alternating calls, with a backup list for additional needs or large scenes.

- Eligibility and definition: The order includes a county definition that requires an applicant to independently own a VSF in Comal County to qualify for the county rotation list; the…