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Airport staff say out-of-state, expired-plated vehicles prompted tows; commissioners seek clearer record-keeping
Summary
Airport staff reported tagging about 15 out-of-state vehicles with long-expired plates and towing a few after month-long parking. Commissioners asked where towed vehicles are stored, whether owners reimburse towing fees, and urged improved documentation to avoid disputes such as one owner claiming prior contact with staff.
Airport staff told commissioners the county periodically works with the sheriff’s office to address expired-plate and long-term vehicles on airport property and that the most recent holiday-season sweep found roughly 30 vehicles, about 15 of which had out-of-state plates that could not be easily traced by local law enforcement. Staff said they tagged vehicles, waited roughly a month and then towed a handful; Ted’s Towing has the towed vehicles and charges daily storage fees.
"We had about 30 vehicles... 15 out of state tags that were far expired," airport staff said, describing how a small number of vehicles were ultimately towed after other vehicles disappeared. Commissioners asked whether owners must reimburse towing and storage fees when reclaiming vehicles; staff said collection and reimbursement practices vary and recommended keeping a clearer record of contacts to avoid disputes. One speaker said the towed owner claimed to have contacted the manager’s office but staff could not verify that call.
Commissioners also raised the difficulty of contacting out-of-state owners and the need to document calls and warnings. The board did not adopt a new policy at the meeting but asked staff to consider record-keeping improvements and to follow procurement/reporting procedures when vendors are involved.
