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Weatherford council adopts cap on nonconsent tow rotation
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 02026-07 to set a capped rotation list for nonconsent tows, aiming to reduce administrative work for police. Chief Jason Hayes explained tow companies take possession of impounded vehicles and the city generally does not incur costs unless a vehicle is held for evidence.
Weatherford's City Council voted Feb. 10 to adopt Ordinance 02026-07, amending section 10-18-6 of the city code to establish a capped rotation list for nonconsent tows.
Chief Jason Hayes told the council the change is intended to reduce administrative workload for the Police Department by limiting the number of tow companies on the city’s rotation. “The biggest thing is to make sure that we focus on the police work, and that's our goal here, is to put our focus back into working,” Hayes said, explaining that tow companies take possession of nonconsent vehicles and handle owner notifications and disposition.
Hayes said citizens can report parking or traffic complaints to the police; officers will sticker or cite vehicles depending on operability and may call a nonconsent tow if a vehicle meets the standard (he described a 48‑hour roadway standard in his remarks). He added that the city generally does not incur towing costs unless the department retains a vehicle as evidence in a case, in which instance the city would compensate the tow company.
A motion to approve the pulled consent item implementing the towing‑rotation change was presented by Councilmember Heidi Wilder and seconded by Councilmember Luke Williams; the council voted to approve the item.
The ordinance is intended to streamline processes for police staff and reduce the number of inspections and administrative steps the department must perform when multiple tow companies are available.
