The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Fiscal Affairs Committee voted unanimously on Thursday to award the city’s towing management contract to Autura, a software company that will act as a middle‑man between Metro and tow operators. The decision ends Snap Towing’s role as a Metro provider, a relationship that began in 2016 and accounted for more than half of the Henderson‑based, minority‑owned company’s business.
Impact on workers and families
Snap Towing says the contract generated roughly $1 million a month and supported nearly 100 employees. “It affects drivers, it affects families, it affects children,” said Snap tow truck driver Corey Moreland. Co‑owner Danny Thompson described the loss as a shock, noting that the company received no public hearing or explanation before the contract was removed.
Community response
Dozens of community members, including tow drivers, local lawmakers, and business leaders, attended the committee meeting to request an open hearing. Speakers urged the committee to pull the contract from its consent agenda and discuss it publicly. “Snap Towing deserves a fair hearing. This public deserves a vote and full disclosure,” one speaker said.
Commissioner Jim Gibson was questioned about a possible conflict of interest, but he offered no comment during the session. Metro Chief Financial Officer Rich Hoggan explained that the new system will allow at least three qualified tow companies to receive work under neutral dispatch rules, likening the process to a rideshare app: “A tow company earns work by qualifying and performing, not from being anybody’s favorite.”
Reasons given by Metro
Metro officials said they rewrote the Request for Proposals this spring to address conflict‑of‑interest concerns and that Snap Towing did not submit a proposal for the new contract. Thompson disputed that claim, saying the company had been trying to meet with Metro for over a year and had sent certified letters that went unanswered.
The new contract also extends the response window for tow companies from 20 minutes to 30 minutes, giving officers an additional ten minutes before a tow is required.
Potential job losses
Thompson warned that up to 98 employees in Commissioner Gibson’s district could lose their jobs, representing roughly 60 percent of Snap’s business. He said the company will explore all options, including a possible lawsuit against the department.
Broad support for Snap
Letters of support were submitted to Metro from a wide range of organizations, including the Clark County Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Protective Association, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 396, Las Vegas Police Protective Association, St. Paul’s Bishop Chris Moran, Las Vegas Rescue Mission, and several labor unions. Co‑owner Van Le reported that these groups represent more than $713,000 in community and humanitarian giving.
Le also issued a statement calling the process “cronyism, lies, and corruption” and urging greater transparency from Metro and its Fiscal Affairs Committee. He emphasized his long‑standing support for law‑enforcement officers and his commitment to speaking out for accountable government.
What’s next?
Snap Towing plans to continue pursuing all available remedies, including legal action, while the new contract with Autura moves forward. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and oversight in local government contracting, especially when minority‑owned businesses are affected.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
