North Augusta council approves towing and valet contracts for Riverside Village
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Summary
The City Council unanimously approved a competitively awarded towing contract and a valet-parking agreement intended to improve parking compliance, traffic flow and visitor experience in Riverside Village; enforcement waits on required signage and valet rollout will be voluntary and revenue-sharing-based.
The North Augusta City Council on Jan. 5 unanimously approved two contracts intended to manage parking and traffic in Riverside Village: a towing and impoundment services agreement with Big Tow Wrecker Service and a valet-parking contract with Parking Systems South.
Assistant City Administrator JD McCauley told council the towing contract implements the high-enforcement tow-away zone established by ordinance 2025-21. The contract, awarded through competitive bidding, includes a two-year initial term and an optional one-year renewal. McCauley said towing and storage fees will be paid by vehicle owners under state law and that enforcement will begin only after state-required signage is installed.
McCauley said the valet agreement, also competitively awarded, will be a turnkey program: the contractor will supply staffing, equipment, management and insurance. The vendor offered 17.5% of gross valet revenue to the city; the city will deposit that revenue into the Riverfront Central Corps fund to improve parking and transportation in Riverside Village. The valet program will use a designated drop-off/pickup area and digital tools (app/website) to manage requests and validation.
Council members asked how nearby businesses would be notified and where valet vehicles would be parked. McCauley said staff has met with merchants, will continue outreach through the Riverside Village Merchants Alliance, and that the initial valet rollout will use the hotel parking deck and a single designated valet area in the Center Street area. He also said required signage and pre-enforcement warnings will precede towing.
Supporters argued the measures improve emergency access and traffic flow. One council member said he opposed placing extra burden on residents in principle but would back tools that ensure fire and ambulance access. Council voted to adopt both resolutions unanimously.
The contract terms require monthly reporting to the city and include a two-year initial term with an optional one-year renewal for both agreements; staff said the city incurs no direct vendor costs under the proposals.