Title
Request To Increase Trespass Towing Rates (B)
Explanation
In accordance with Section 14.5-30 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Gainesville, the City Manager must receive requests to adjust trespass towing rates by September 30th of each year. The City Commission has the sole authority of establishing towing rates.
On September 30, 2010 the City Manager received an email from Elite Towing requesting an increase in their maximum trespass towing fees.
Current trespass towing rates are Class 1 through 2 Light Duty vehicles $76, Class 3 through 6 Medium Duty Vehicles $133, and Class 7 through 8 Heavy Duty Vehicles $288.
The requested increases by Elite Towing are Class 1 through 2 Light Duty vehicles $95, Class 3 through 6 Medium Duty Vehicles $165, and Class 7 through 8 Heavy Duty Vehicles $450.
The last request to increase towing fees came to the City in the fall of 2007. The request was denied by the Public Safety Committee and the City Commission because the towing companies backup did not support the request. It was recommended at that time that companies bring documentation giving the specific breakdown of how many tows they do locally and what percentage their insurance, gas and etc., expenses have increased in the past year.
Recommendation
The City Commission refer this item to the Public Safety Committee to review and address the proposed rate increase.