City attorney, sheriff epartment brief council on ordinance to clarify towing authority

The Roanoke City attorney and a representative from the sheriff's department briefed council on Feb. 3 about proposed changes to the city ordinance that would clarify and extend towing authority to the sheriff's office when the sheriff is providing law-enforcement services outside the police department's usual duties.

"Our sheriff has been good enough to work with our police department as we've gone forward," the city attorney said, noting the difficulty in filling police positions and the sheriff's assistance downtown. The attorney said the ordinance does not currently provide the sheriff's office the same explicit towing authority as the police department, and the amendment is intended to "just provide protection for our agency and for the city."

Brandon Young, introduced by the city attorney as from the sheriff's department, joined the briefing. Presenters said the change would be citywide but is likely to be invoked where the sheriff provides law-enforcement duties—examples cited included downtown events and around schools. Officials said they do not expect the sheriff's office to proactively tow vehicles broadly, but want clear authority where needed.

The attorney told council this is a briefing to gather feedback and that staff would return with an ordinance for adoption on Feb. 18 if council is comfortable with the approach.

Council members asked clarifying questions about geographic scope and potential use around schools. The attorney and the sheriff's representative answered that the amendment would apply throughout the city but would be used where the sheriff is performing law-enforcement duties. No action was taken at the briefing stage.