San Antonio City Council approved higher maximum towing fees as part of a broader effort to address an anticipated $158 million budget deficit. The measure, which raises the city’s revenue per light tow from $50 to roughly $110, also unintentionally increased the fees that private‑lot operators can charge for towing vehicles from their properties.

Councilwoman Kaur’s surprise

District 1 councilwoman Sukh Kaur, a Democrat, told reporters she was unaware that the ordinance change would affect private lots. “I did also find out as a result of this interview that we actually increased the prices for private lots as well, which I did not realize,” Kaur said. She emphasized that the city does not collect revenue from private‑lot tows, and that the increase could exacerbate what she described as “predatory towing practices.”

Impact on drivers

Kristina Richie, a San Antonio resident, recounted how the new fees affected her. Both of her cars were towed from a private lot, costing her about $717 to retrieve them. “They towed the first car 19 minutes after I parked it, the second one 21 minutes after,” Richie said, noting the speed with which tow‑truck drivers can respond when a parking space is about to expire.

City’s revenue goals

The council’s rationale for the fee increase is purely fiscal. Kaur explained, “We were looking for ways to increase revenue to decrease the deficit that we were facing.” The higher maximum fee is projected to bring the city an additional $2 million to $3 million annually.

Proposed ordinance revision

In response to the unintended consequences, Kaur pledged to have the ordinance reviewed and revised. “Transparently, I did not realize that happened,” she said. “So, we have to update the ordinance to reverse it back because that is where, again, like I said, we see the most predatory towing occurring.” The council plans to discuss the amendment at an upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting.

Advice for motorists

Until the ordinance is amended, Kaur encouraged drivers to be vigilant for pay‑to‑park signs in private lots and to consider street parking, which she said is more affordable. “Street parking for the city is a lot more affordable. It’s two dollars an hour and then it’s free at nights and weekends,” she noted.

Looking ahead

The city’s budget shortfall remains a pressing concern, and the council continues to explore revenue‑raising measures while balancing the needs of residents and local businesses. The upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting will be the first opportunity for council members to debate the proposed rollback of private‑lot tow fees and to assess whether the fee structure can meet fiscal goals without burdening drivers.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.