By By Lisa Tindell and Kerry Whipple Bean
City councils in both Brewton and East Brewton agreed this week to impose a ceiling on the fees towing companies that are part of the police rotation can charge to customers in each city.
East Brewton Police Chief B.C. Cooper agreed.
After discussion, a unanimous vote of the council set the maximum allowed charge by towing services or companies at $125 for towing a passenger vehicle, motorcycle or truck. A maximum of $25 per day charge for storage was also imposed.
On Tuesday, the City of Brewton imposed similar rules, with the same fee ceilings for towing and storage.
Brewton Mayor Ted Jennings said if an individual wants to call a towing company not in the rotation, they will be able to do so.
Brewton Police Chief Monte McGougin said the police department has received complaints over the years about the varying fees charged by towing companies that are part of the city's rotation during police calls.
Cooper also said that East Brewton reserves the right to make a visual inventory of vehicles before allowing them to be towed by any service or company.
Clark said towing services and companies have had the privilege of working in East Brewton in the past and the city wants to continue that working relationship.
The towing policy passed in East Brewton includes: