PLACEMENT: Consent
TITLE:
title
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ADJUSTING THE SCHEDULE OF MAXIMUM RATES FOR THE TOWING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
As required by Section 115.13, General Ordinances, Martin County Code, Resolution No. 17-5.17 established maximum rates for the towing and storage of vehicles and provided for an annual automatic adjustment based on the percentage change in the January Consumer Price Index (CPI) - All Urban Consumers for the United States. Based on the methodology established in Resolution No. 17-5.17, a rate adjustment is required for the time period from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
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DEPARTMENT: County Attorney
PREPARED BY: Name: Joseph Baron
Title: Assistant County Attorney
REQUESTED BY: Joseph Baron
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
Section 115.13, General Ordinances, Martin County Code provides that the County Commission shall, by resolution, establish maximum rates for providing recovery, towing, removal, and storage services for vehicles at the request of the sheriff’s office or other law enforcement officer, or a property owner or authorized representative, without the prior consent of the vehicle owner or other authorized person in control of the vehicle. On May 23, 2017, pursuant to Resolution No. 17-5.17, the rates were adjusted for the first time since 2005. Pursuant to Paragraph C. Review and Automatic Adjustment of Resolution No. 17-5.17, the rates shall be adjusted annually effective the first Monday in October based on the percentage change in the January Consumer Price Index (CPI) - All Urban Consumers for the United States.
A rate adjustment for the time period from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, is required. The applicable CPI for the time period from January 2025 to January 2026 showed a 2.4% increase. The attached proposed resolution adjusts the maximum towing and storage rates for October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, consistent with the methodology set forth in Paragraph C of Resolution No. 17-5.17.
In addition, rates for transportation dollies were added for completeness. The manpower rate was clarified as an hourly rate. Finally, a provision was added for the additional storage space that may be required for certain damaged electric vehicles due to potential battery fire hazards.
Representatives of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office who oversee the towing process and the rotation list of approved companies have been made aware of this agenda item and approve the same.
ISSUES:
None
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, has identified and addressed legal risks, and has developed strategies for legal defensibility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board approve the Resolution.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Pull this item from the Consent Agenda and direct staff accordingly.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: