Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Consumer Impact topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Operators, council debate whether higher night tow and storage fees burden residents
Summary
Tow operators told the committee higher overnight and storage charges reflect equipment, insurance and after‑hours labor costs, while committee members and some operators pressed for clearer definitions to avoid surprise bills for residents.
At the June 15 Rules and Procedures meeting, industry representatives described how a handful of line items—after‑hours rates, storage, and release fees—combine to create large bills for vehicle owners. One operator said storage is commonly charged after 24 hours and "Storage can be from $85 a day to a $100 a day at those rates," underscoring how multi‑part bills can grow quickly.
Operators argued the draft should explicitly state which ancillary fees are included in the simple tow fee and which are billable separately. The committee chair said the draft requires annual negotiation between the Binghamton Police Department and towing companies and that the chair would consult corporation counsel and other municipalities for benchmarks before the council vote.
