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Tow operators urge stricter enforcement, review of rates for City of Nacogdoches dispatch rotation
Summary
A tow-company representative urged the City of Nacogdoches to enforce insurance requirements for firms on the centralized dispatch rotation, stop firms from removing themselves from large-rotation calls to ‘game’ dispatches, and update towing rates that staff say have remained unchanged since 2007.
A representative of a local tow operator told the City of Nacogdoches council that some companies on the centralized dispatch rotation are operating without proper insurance for their storage facilities and that the city should monitor compliance.
"It is not insured," the speaker said, noting that if a vehicle is damaged at an uninsured storage facility the liability could fall back on the city or county. The commenter identified Hopkins Record Service as a consistently responsive tow provider and said another company, Joey Ross Towing Company, has removed itself from large-rotation calls to avoid certain dispatches.
The speaker called on the city to enforce existing dispatch requirements — including an annual packet and a $30 fee to remain on the rotation — and to reinstate a weekly large-rotation schedule or create annual meetings among tow companies and centralized dispatch staff so the rotation is applied fairly.
The speaker also urged the council to review published towing rates in the packet (section 1023.382), which he said have not changed since 2007. He cited a sample small-tow charge of $150 in the packet and said nearby cities typically charge $225 to $300; he asked for a modest rate increase to offset higher insurance and fuel costs.
City staff did not make a formal response on the record during the public-comment period beyond noting the item would be considered in future discussions. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the speaker asked the council to schedule follow-up conversations on enforcement and rate adjustments.
Next steps: Council or staff will determine whether to place towing-rotation compliance and rate review on a future agenda for action or more formal review.
