OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – The Omaha City Council is set to vote on an ordinance that would raise towing fees for the first time in more than a decade, with a council member arguing the increase would benefit consumers by drawing more reputable companies into city contracts.
Councilman Ron Hug said the ordinance governing towing rates was created in the early 2000’s and was supposed to be reviewed every two years. The last review took place more than 10 years ago. Since then, Hug said, private towing companies have declined city contracts because current rates are not financially viable.
Proposed fee changes
The proposal would raise the administrative fee from $25 to $60 and increase the storage fee from $15 to $20 per day. Those rates would match the fees charged by the Omaha Police Department’s impound lot.
Karlee Rosenthal, who has worked with L&I Towing and Recovery for three years, said the current rates have made it difficult for professional companies to participate…