Wilmington residents are set to face a new towing fee following the city's latest contract award to City Towing Services (CTS). Starting April 1, the one-year deal replaces the previous arrangement which did not include a towing charge. The introduction of a $110 fee by CTS was a move matched by competitor First Choice Auto and Truck Repair who proposed a $140 charge. The new agreement aims to ensure better handling of towed vehicles and clarity on fees for vehicle owners, according to the city's statement.

For a long time, Wilmington was fortunate to manage without such fees, allowing folks the ability to direct their funds towards delinquent tickets and a $25 City service fee. But with both bidders introducing charges, the times of no-cost towing seem to be in the rearview mirror. Under the new contract terms, CTS will implement a daily storage fee starting from the eighth day and can't seek legal ownership of a vehicle until it has been held for 60 days and with the necessary notifications provided to city officials.

Additional requirements included in the contract specify that CTS must offer vehicle owners 24/7 access to their stored vehicles and personal items, with no access charge. Plus, all towing and storage payments must now be settled at the CTS lot itself, while fines and a $25 release fee are collected at the Redding Government Building on French Street. There, vehicle owners will receive the needed release form for their cars, Wilmington officials outlined.

The new mandate from the city includes a provision ensuring that CTS must notify the Police Chief and Finance Director at least two weeks before commencing any State-authorized legal process to claim ownership of unclaimed vehicles. CTS's obligations stretch further: obtaining written consent prior to hiring subcontractors for heavier tows, and promptly issuing certified notice to registered vehicle owners and lienholders after a tow. These steps are designed to keep towing procedures transparent and fair for those involved.