September 5th, 2008
Council approves new towing fees

STAFF REPORT

The San Marcos city council approved new wrecker service fees and tightened up on what fees may be charged by wrecker companies at its meeting this week.

The fee schedule sets maximum rates that local wrecker companies may charge for police-authorized tows, non-consent tows, waiting time, winching fees, clean up, show up fees and drop fees.

The fee increases include:

• Non-Consent tows from private property – from $60 to $75.
• Police-authorized tow (non-collision) from $70 to $150 flat fee.
• Police-authorized tow involving collision – from $95 to $150.

Additional collision fees:

• Dollies – $50.
• Winching – $50 per 1/2 hour of labor
• Wait Time – $50 per 1/2 hour (after the first 1/2 hour)
• Extraordinary Labor – $50 per 1/2 hour
• Show up fee:  $50
• Drop fee:  $50 (wreckers may not charge both show up and drop fees)

The San Marcos police department conducted a towing fee study comparing local fees to those charged in Austin, San Antonio, Lockhart, New Braunfels, Luling and Seguin. In most categories, the San Marcos fees were lower than other cities.

The new fees will take effect immediately upon publication in the local newspaper on Sept. 9. The city council will consider ordinance amendments that address towing practices at a future meeting.