Title
To amend Section 2107.06 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, pertaining to impounding fees and storage charges.
Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance amends Section 2107.06 of the Columbus City Codes to increase the fees charged for towing and storage of vehicles. The last increase occurred in 2001. Since that time, numerous costs, associated with the towing and storage of vehicles, have increased. Also, this increase will place the City's rates for towing and storage more in line with rates charged by other jurisdictions in Ohio.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no costs associated with this ordinance. The City will realize additional revenue of approximately $880,000 from the Parking Violations Bureau/Police Impound Lot as a result of the increase in towing and storage charges. Revenue will be reduced by approximately $60,000 by allowing a one-time reduced rate for stolen vehicles. The net effect would be an overall increase in revenue of approximately $820,000.
Body
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to regulate tow trucks that contract within the City and tow trucks operated by the Division of Police; and
WHEREAS, stolen vehicles will be charged a one-time per owner reduced rate of $55.00 per vehicle; and
WHEREAS, the Police Division attempts to contact owners of stolen vehicles prior to impoundment; and
WHEREAS, approximately 45%-50% of stolen vehicles are return to the owners before impounded by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cleveland offers a reduce rate for stolen vehicles; and
WHEREAS, even after this increase in fees, the City of Columbus fees will be lower than Cincinnati's, Cleveland's, and many suburbs of Columbus general towing and storage fees; and
WHEREAS, there is no provision in the city code as it relates to larger commercial vehicles weighing more than twenty thousand (20,000) pounds; and
WHEREAS, an increase in fees charged and collected by the Parking Violations Bureau and private ...
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