RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond City Council is considering a new contract with Seibert’s Towing that could increase costs across the board for towing in the city.
On Monday night, an ordinance was introduced to council members to authorize the execution of a new five-year contract with the company. Seibert’s Towing was the only company to enter a bid with the city.
If passed, the standard cost of having a vehicle towed for parking infractions will increase from $95 to $105. The city will also receive an additional $3 per citation pursuant to the $10 increase.
Several other fees would also increase with the new contract, including towing a disabled vehicle ($75 to $85), and towing vehicles involved in accidents ($125 to $155.)
The new contract proposal comes on the heels of numerous complaints by city residents about Richmond’s aggressive towing policy, especially when it comes to towing vehicles for special events like races and street festivals, and routine street cleaning and leaf collection.
In the first ten months of 2014, street cleaning, accidents and parking violations accounted for the most towed vehicles, angering several residents.
City Councilman Parker Agelasto suggested a compromise to the new contract that would allow Seiberts to relocate towed vehicles to another location in the neighborhood, rather than Seibert’s south side location.
Agelasto said the fines would still apply, but would prevent vehicle owners from having find transportation or incur storage fees.
Executives with Seiberts said they are open to negotiations when the city council considers the amended contract.
A public hearing will be held on Monday, June 13th at City Hall.
