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Greenwood police propose $25 tow‑release fee to recover administrative costs
Summary
Police Chief Farmer proposed a tow‑release administrative fee (recommended $25) to ensure vehicles held on police hold are released only with a city release form; staff will draft an ordinance to add a $25 fee to the code and fee schedule for next meeting consideration.
Police Chief Farmer told the Greenwood Board of Aldermen Jan. 28 that the department plans to institute a tow‑release program that would require the registered owner to obtain a release at the police station before the tow company will release a vehicle.
Chief Farmer said the program "safeguards any evidence" and helps ensure registered owners pick up vehicles properly. He recommended an administrative fee to recoup staff time for processing tow documentation and data‑entry, saying "I'm proposing between 10 and $25." When asked about a single number, he and board members expressed support for $25: "25 is gonna work," one member said.
The board asked staff to draft an ordinance adding the $25 tow‑release fee to the municipal code and the city's fee schedule; staff will return a formal ordinance for the next meeting. Chief Farmer noted the fee is in addition to the tow company charge, and that the city will provide example ordinances from other municipalities as guidance.
Ending: Staff will draft the ordinance and bring wording and fee‑schedule language to the next meeting for formal adoption.
