Title
Review of Trespass (Roam) Towing Fees - Rate Increase Request (B)
Recommendation
For the 5/29/01 CC Meeting
The Audit and Finance Committee recommend that the City Commission accept our report and consider recommendations on the following issues:
1) Pricing options for the current rate increase request;
2) Options for future rate adjustments;
3) Implementation of application and/or inspection fees; and
4) Enhancements to improve public information related to towing.
Explanation
On December 11, 2000, the City Commission discussed a Public Safety Committee agenda item related to trespass towing, also known as "roam" towing. The towing issues, including a September 2000 rate increase request, were previously reviewed by the Public Safety Committee without conclusion. The City Commission requested that the City Auditor, City Manager and City Attorney further review the rate adjustment issue for final review by the Audit and Finance Committee. The Public Safety Committee was requested to further study other towing issues related to the current ordinance.
Our procedures included gathering objective information and obtaining community feedback to the extent possible. After much public debate and discussion, we are presenting several proposed rate options for City Commission consideration prior to a final rate adjustment determination. The final rate decision needs to comply with provisions of current local law established by Ordinance No. 3923 adopted on May 9, 1994. If other fee structures are sought, the City Attorney can assist in drafting a new ordinance.
Our towing fee analysis is within the boundaries of the current ordinance, however, we have included some suggestions related to a potential revenue source and enhancements to public information. Therefore, we request the Audit and Finance Committee accept our report and consider final recommendations for the identified issues. The Public Safety Committee will present its report to the City Commission on May 29, 2001.