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Local tow companies and residents urge rotation; Smithville aldermen approve tow contract renewal
Summary
Multiple tow-company owners and a city resident asked the Smithville Board of Aldermen to notify the incumbent tow provider by July 30 and move to a tow rotation; the board approved Resolution 13-81 renewing the city's tow services contract and discussed RFP timing and contract expiration (Oct. 31).
Aldermen in Smithville heard extended public comment urging the city to move its tow-provider contract to a rotation and notify the incumbent by July 30, but later approved a resolution renewing the current tow services contract.
Kenny Purdue of Brad's Towing told the board the city should "send the incumbent tow service order a notification no later than 07/30/2024" of intent to move to a rotation, arguing growth along Highway 169 has increased accidents and congestion and saying the current single-source contract had put several local tow businesses out of business. "Monopolies ... kill economic development," Purdue said as he asked the city to adopt a tow rotation for competition and better service.
Bradley Trigg, principal owner of Bridal Towing and Recovery, said his company made a deliberate decision to locate in Smithville and submitted a pricing proposal to City Administrator Cynthia Wagner for consideration. He also urged a rotation to provide multiple options for citizens and first responders.
Joey Bybee, who described himself as Bridal Towing's director of law enforcement and government tow programs, recommended that the city establish an advisory panel, require electronic invoicing and quarterly reporting, and include random audits to ensure transparency in city-ordered tows.
City staff and aldermen answered that the current contract runs through Oct. 31 and that the city has time to consider changes. Staff repeatedly said that switching to a rotation would require soliciting bids via an RFP so the city can compare costs and build required reporting and audit provisions into the contract. Several aldermen suggested starting the rotation process after the budget cycle.
After public comment and discussion, the board voted by voice to approve Resolution 13-81 renewing the city tow services contract; the transcript does not record a roll-call breakdown for that vote. City staff indicated next steps would be to continue the discussion and, if directed, prepare an RFP to implement a rotation in the future.
What happens next: Council members signaled they will pursue policy and procurement work — including an RFP and report requirements — in coming months, but the renewal approved at the meeting keeps the existing contract in place through its current term.
