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Local tow operator urges county action after large rotation fees and auction transparency concerns
Summary
A Kerr County tow‑truck owner told commissioners that rotation pricing varies widely, fuel surcharges appear excessive, and required public auctions are not consistently held; the sheriff said the office oversees rotation lists and will seek a meeting with tow operators and the county attorney for follow‑up.
KERRVILLE, Texas — At Monday’s Kerr County Commissioners Court, Jacob Shively, who identified himself as a longtime tow‑truck business owner, asked the court to address what he described as inconsistent and opaque towing and impound practices under the county’s rotation/record service system.
Shively told commissioners his vehicle was towed 13 miles at a billed cost of $1,300 and that some rotation calls include unusually large fuel surcharges (he cited a $330 charge). He said rotation vendors charge different amounts, sometimes substantially higher than the rates he believed the rotation system was meant to standardize, and that some impound lots appear not to hold required public auctions — raising questions about whether surplus proceeds are returned to vehicle owners.
Sheriff Sykes responded that the sheriff’s office administers the rotation list for non‑consent tows and agreed the price examples Shively described were ‘‘horrible’’ and warranted investigation. The sheriff proposed convening tow companies to resolve pricing disagreements and said the office could remove vendors from rotation if necessary. Commissioners asked the sheriff and county attorney to report back to the court on options; the court requested a follow‑up report.
What was requested: Shively asked the court to consider establishing uniform rotation pricing, require transparent public auctions for impounded vehicles and clarify how fuel surcharges and mileage are calculated.
Court action: No change to county policy was adopted at the meeting. The sheriff said he would initiate outreach to tow companies and the county attorney to determine whether the court can regulate rotation pricing or require uniform auction practices; commissioners asked for a status update at a future meeting.
Context: Shively said rotation practices were last agreed informally in 2005 and that current practices diverge; the transcript records discussion of regulatory roles for TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) and prior oversight by DPS.
Next steps: Sheriff’s office to meet with tow companies and coordinate with the county attorney; commissioners to review the sheriff’s follow‑up report.
