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Towing industry urges higher fees for nonconsensual tows; council discusses updating rates
Summary
Towing representatives supported an ordinance to raise administrative and storage fees for unauthorized tows, citing inflation, higher wages and vehicle/insurance costs; council members discussed last review years ago and the need to publish the city's maximum tow fee clearly.
Proponents from the towing industry told the council the proposed amendment to Chapter 20 would better reflect current costs for nonconsensual tows and storage. Carly Rosenthal, office manager at Illinois Towing and a representative of the Omaha Association of Towing and Transport, said administrative work, secure storage costs and regulatory compliance have become much more expensive since the fees were established.
"General inflation has increased by nearly 90%... Nebraska minimum wage has increased from $5.15 an hour to $15 an hour," Rosenthal said, describing increases in staff, insurance and equipment costs. She urged clear publication of any maximum towing fee tied to Omaha Police Department impound rates so companies and the public know the standard. Council member Hugg said the council last reviewed these rates in the 2011–2014 range and argued that higher rates could bring reputable companies back and reduce the prevalence of poor-quality impound lots; the Law Department clarified this meeting was the public hearing stage for the ordinance.
