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Towing and vehicle‑storage operators urge TDLR to apply 2025 CPI rate adjustment
Summary
Multiple licensed vehicle storage facility owners and industry groups told the TDLR commission that the agency should carry out the statutory biennial CPI adjustment for VSF fees—arguing missed adjustments harm small businesses, limit safety investments and fail the statute’s economic-balancing intent.
At the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation meeting on Dec. 29, licensed vehicle storage facility owners and industry representatives urged commissioners to implement the 2025 CPI adjustment for vehicle storage facility (VSF) fees.
Tasha Mora, a licensed VSF owner and vice president and legislative director of the Southwest Tow Operators Towing Association, told the commission the statute sets a clear framework requiring the commission to perform the CPI calculation no later than Nov. 1 and that the only discretion concerns the result of that calculation, not whether the calculation is made. "When the CPI shows inflation, as it has, the statute anticipates a corresponding adjustment to the rate," she said, adding that missed adjustments stop the law’s balancing mechanism and leave regulated businesses unable to recoup rising costs.
Other commenters echoed that point. Angel Mora, who said she has operated a VSF for 23 years, cited rising insurance, payroll, utilities and property taxes and said delayed CPI adjustments constrain facilities’ ability to hire and invest in training and equipment. CJ Fedway of the Texas Towing and Storage Association noted that VSF charges are set by statute and have not changed since 2007, arguing even a small biannual increase is critical for mostly micro and small businesses.
Speakers emphasized safety and operational concerns tied to newer vehicle technology. Jordan Terngali, a fleet operations supervisor, and Travis Gourmet, who operates multiple VSFs, stressed the costs of safely storing electric vehicles—including training and yard modifications—and said delayed rate adjustments reduce staffing stability and increase public‑safety risk.
Commissioners and staff did not adopt a decision during public comment. The commission’s next steps were not finalized on the record; staff and commissioners discussed procedural matters elsewhere on the agenda and later proceeded to contested cases and rulemaking items.
The commission did not record a formal vote on the CPI adjustment during the meeting; commenters asked the agency to move forward "as soon as procedurally possible."
