Towing companies seek rate hikes

By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

Conceding that an increase is "warranted," the Town of Huntington is working on a price hike for its towing companies, which haven’t seen a rate change since the 1990s. Late last month, the Town Board approved a two-month extension on the current contract in order to review and update towing legislation.

"The town recognizes there should be some kind of increase," stated Joan Cergol, town spokesperson, who noted that the current contract was set to expire on October 1. "The town wanted extra time for the review, so they extended the contract until December 1. The rate increase is now under study."

According to town code, Huntington’s current towing rates were adopted in 1999. As part of that legislation, vehicles weighing up to 1.5 tons are charged $60 for a tow, while heavier vehicles are charged $85, plus $15 per hour of travel. Heavy-duty towing, such as for tractor-trailers, costs $100 per hour, while flatbed towing is $110 per hour.

Other current rates include $75 for righting an overturned vehicle, $45 for dollying, and $25 for winching a vehicle from off the road.

"We’re mostly looking at rates for the heavy-duty towing," said Bruce Richard, the town’s public safety director, who noted the town has two or three heavy-duty towers.

In addition to rates, the town is also reviewing other towing legislation, such as the definition of a heavy-duty truck, fire extinguisher conditions and scene maintenance duties, among other things.

Richards declined to specify the town’s discussed amounts for towing rate increases until its review is complete.