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Parlier officials say tow-rotation limits are set by Fresno County system, not the city
Summary
City officials told the council they cannot unilaterally restrict out-of-town towing companies because the Fresno County Sheriff's Office controls the tow-list software and Selma handles dispatching; councilors said increased local tow yards could help, but legal and software limits remain in place.
Parlier Mayor Emma Beltran and city staff discussed long-running complaints about towing practices after residents raised concerns that outside tow companies are being used in the city more often than local operators.
Police leadership told the council the city does not control the tow-list software. "We don't control the software package. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office does," the Police Chief said, adding that the city also lacks direct control of the dispatching function because it is handled in part by the neighboring city of Selma.
Councilors and staff said those limits mean Parlier cannot currently enforce a Parlier-only rotation for tow companies. Council member Kathy Zoro and others urged options to keep more towing work in town, noting that two companies on the rotation already have Parlier addresses and two more are exploring opening yards in the city. Staff said if those businesses open local yards, "80% of the tows will stay in town" under the current rotation scenario, though officials also clarified turnout and specialized tow needs sometimes require nonlocal operators.
City officials said they will continue negotiating contract language and encourage local yards to open so more towing revenue and jobs stay within Parlier. They also warned that any change requiring a separate tow list would depend on cooperation from the county sheriff's office and the dispatch provider.
The council had earlier approved routine consent items and moved a pulled agenda item to the next meeting; no formal policy change on towing was adopted at this session.
