Naperville officials question steep tow fees

At a time when municipalities are trimming budgets and expenses, several Naperville departments have begun looking at new revenue streams.

But a proposal from police Chief David Dial that could generate about $300,000 a year made some councilmen a little queasy this week.

Dial suggested a $500 fee be tacked on to regular towing and storage charges, which average around $250, for the retrieval of any car towed during a Class A misdemeanor arrest. It costs the city about $175 to tow the car.

"Class A misdemeanors are things such as driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, more serious violations," Dial said, "It is not intended to put a fee on people who had their vehicles towed from a no parking zone or anything like that. It was intended to put a fee on people who commit violations that are dangerous to the health and safety of the public as well as people who commit serious felony crimes."

Several councilmen, however, backed off on the fee amount and asked for more options.

"I cannot justify a $500 fee. To me, it just seems like piling it on," Councilman James Boyajian said. "About $150 is all I can stomach."

Kenn Miller said such a fee would be fine for cars towed as part of "a drug deal or something like that."

Dial said he proposed the fee because he estimates it would involve people who don't live in the city more than half the time.

"It's intended to have those people help pay for the services of this community," Dial said.

Councilman Dick Furstenau said the $500 figure made him do a double take.

"When I read this, I got a little sick to my stomach," he said. "I could go for a buck fifty. You may even talk me into $175, but beyond that is just kicking a guy while he's down."

When Dial revisits the issue next month, he will present the council with a proposal that would charge less for vehicles used in misdemeanors and more for cars impounded during felony arrests.