City officials said Tuesday that a compromise has been reached in connection with a rate increase for wrecker operators.
The initial plan was to allow charges of $250 for towing passenger vehicles in the daytime and $275 during the evenings and weekends.
Mayor Tim Kelly last Tuesday vetoed the ordinance passed by the City Council, saying he believed those rates were too high.
He recommended $200 for towing passenger vehicles in the daytime and $215 during the evenings and weekends.
The compromise announced on Tuesday afternoon was $225 for towing passenger vehicles in the daytime and $250 during the evenings and weekends.
In addition, the wrecker charges will go up each January at a rate of inflation for the past year.
City Attorney Phil Noblett said there was no need for a vote to override the veto in light of the compromise. Instead a new ordinance was to be considered on first reading.
The vote to approve the compromise was unanimous.
Mayor Kelly said, “I am glad our negotiations with the towing industry and City Council resulted in a fairer deal for Chattanoogans, and I look forward to signing the amended ordinance to ensure tow fees remain fair and reasonable in the years to come.
“Towing fees are almost always an unexpected cost that can really matter to working-class Chattanoogans struggling with inflation themselves - and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to keep our city affordable for everyone.”
Click here to read the amendment.