Troutman officials OK wrecker rotation

Troutman officials OK wrecker rotation vote

The Troutman Board of Aldermen approved a plan aimed at giving area wrecker companies a fair shot at business when the town’s police department responds to vehicular accidents.

At its regular meeting Thursday, the board approved a “towing rotation policy,” which would allow wrecker businesses to sign on to a call list that would change on a per-accident basis.

The companies would have to agree to set fees established by the town and not deviate from those fees in exchange for their being referred by police when an accident or other incident occurs in which a car needs to be towed.

For example, a company could not charge more than $125 for a standard, non-collision tow during regular business hours. After hours and on weekends, that amount would increase to $150.

Towing for cars involved in crashes would be $150 and $175 respectively during those times.

Companies also could also only charge storage fees of $25 and $40 depending on whether the vehicle is being kept outside or inside.

Wrecker owners and those acting on their behalf also must agree to not hold the town liable “or responsibility for any expense or loss incurred by reason of removal, storage or sale of any vehicle placed in my custody as a result of my inclusion on the Rotation Wrecker List.”

The fee schedule also includes other costs when more involved work has to be performed, such as when a vehicle is overturned.

The Statesville City Council will be considering a similar plan for its police department at Monday’s regular meeting.

Also Thursday, the Troutman Board of Aldermen agreed to accept a donation of $3,000 that will be used toward the police department’s K-9 program.