County staff bring proposed 40% increase to record/towing fees; commissioners ask for data before action

County staff presented a proposed 40% increase in the county’s record/rotational towing fee schedule, saying local towing companies asked for the change to offset higher fuel, insurance and equipment costs.

The manager reported that the current basic record fee is about $2.14 and that a 40% increase would move that rate closer to $2.99. "The request was made to increase their current fees of 40%," the manager said. Commissioners sought a clearer numbers-based justification and asked staff to return with a scenario analysis showing historical fee levels, diesel and insurance cost comparisons, and what portion of typical invoices are paid by insurers versus individuals without coverage.

Several commissioners said they would not vote to approve a fee change without seeing the supporting sheets. The manager agreed to collect comparative figures (diesel cost six years ago versus today, insurance cost changes, and how highway patrol or other jurisdictions set comparable rates) and bring the analysis back to the board before formal action.

No fee change was adopted at the meeting; the board requested a staff follow-up with detailed financial analysis and the proposed schedule before further consideration.