Committee votes to send higher maximum tow-operator fees to full council

The Portland Sustainability & Transportation Committee voted to send a proposal to the full City Council that raises maximum allowable tow and storage fees and expands the approved tow-lot radius.

Parking division director Tony Workers presented the proposal to align Portland's maximum rates with nearby communities and ensure operators respond during storms. "The proposed changes are currently... a $135 maximum if you're towed, just a standard tow. That would be increased to $150. If there is an accident tow, it would go from $150 to $175," Workers said, and added the daily storage fee would rise "from $40 to $50."

Committee members pressed staff on operator oversight. Councilor Pius Ali asked whether tow companies must register in Portland; Workers said they must be on an approved list and that the police department inspects tow lots and oversees compliance. Staff also said operators agree to rates and enter the city's rotation.

Chair Regina Phillips opened public comment, noting a three-minute limit, but there were no speakers. Councilor Bullock moved the motion to send the ordinance change to the full council; Councilor Pius Ali seconded. Chair Phillips recorded the roll-call vote as Bullock: yes; Ali: yes; Chair Phillips: no. The motion carried and will be presented to the full City Council for final action.

The committee record shows staff proposed raising the maximum tow-lot service area from 5 miles from City Hall to 7 miles, which staff said would allow additional qualified operators to join the approved list. Staff noted that the fees in the proposal are caps that tow operators may charge; the fees do not go to the city.

Next steps: the proposal will be scheduled for consideration by the full City Council; staff said they would provide requested clarifications about registration fees and other administrative details on follow-up.