The trees and grass are green, the air conditioning is on, and spring is in full swing in Oxford. Double Decker weekend, baseball, and upcoming graduations herald a time of renewal and rebirth. Business is booming as city sales taxes are up double digits (with a little boost from Morgan Wallen).
But despite the benefits of spring, all is not well in Denmark. The mayor and Board of Aldermen have had their hands full with allegations of profiteering and predatory behavior by towing companies. While Oxford has a towing ordinance on the books, recent complaints have caused Aldermen to consider stiffening the ordinance to root out these alleged abuses by towing companies. Common complaints heard by the Board at a public hearing included refusal to release vehicles, no price lists provided, kickbacks to apartment complexes, exorbitant pricing, and lack of notice before vehicles were towed.
In response to these complaints, tow companies and their attorneys questioned the legality of regulating prices in their industry. They claimed fixing prices would limit competition and cause tow companies to exit the market (although the difficulty of market entry may also be an issue stifling competition). An apartment owner also testified his towing contract was necessary to ensure security and explained that if parking passes were not required, he would have no idea who was parking at his property. Aldermen then discussed the issues presented and questioned why the land development code didn’t require three parking spots for three-bedroom units or provide for additional guest parking.
Other cities in Mississippi do impose maximum towing rates according to members of the public who voiced their concerns at the public hearing. According to Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen, Section 102-700 of the Oxford code requires that authorization for towing must be obtained from a property owner or lessee prior to towing, the tow request must be specific to an individual vehicle on a specific date and time, and records must be kept by both the towing company and the property owner. In addition, “no parking” and towing signs must be posted at the entry and exit of parking lots and displayed prominently.
While it certainly appears there may be cause to update certain aspects of the towing ordinance, what may also be required is enforcement against offenders and the allowance of more competition and rules against monopolies that may exist. Predatory practices or monopolies have no place in our community, but legitimate towing efforts necessary for the privacy and security of Oxford businesses and residents are justified. This should be the aim of both public and private parties involved in the disposition of other people’s property.
