Tow fees could increase

The cost of getting a tow in Superior could be on the rise.

The city council’s License and Fees Committee approved the first increase for tow operators in four years.

The measure still requires council approval before it goes into effect.

With fuel costs, maintenance and labor costs rising, Stadium Towing owner Mark Androsky sought the $8 increase to keep up with costs of providing the service.

“I’m just requesting a little more on each tow to help make my ends meet,” Androsky said.

Tow rates, which are established by city ordinance, were last increased four years ago, when the city raised the rate from $75 to $90 for vehicles with a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less, and from $90 to $100 for vehicles greater than 8,000 pounds.

Prior to that, the rates hadn’t been raised in 10 years, said City Clerk Terri Kalan.

Under Androsky’s proposal, approved by the committee, those rates would increase $8 to $98 for a vehicle with a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less, and $108 for vehicles that weigh more than 8,000 pounds.

Androsky said he sought the $8 increase based on the national average price for two gallons of gas.

“If gas prices increase to $5 a gallon, I’m going to be back next year,” he said. “We provide a safe, professional service and that’s why I’m here … It costs a lot of money to run a towing company and have good equipment.”

Council Vice President Mick MacKenzie said he didn’t believe the request was unreasonable.

The measure, expected to go before the council in mid-June, still requires a change to the ordinance to be approved.

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