Board may set hearing on towing policy

The Board of Supervisors on Wednesday will consider setting a public hearing in December before implementing a countywide towing policy.

The recommendation comes from the county’s Public Safety Committee.

Last year, the supervisors agreed to form a Tow Advisory Board. Local law enforcement officials and towing operators said the decision to implement and enforce written policies that apply to public safety towing issues will protect everyone, ensuring that residents and businesses alike are treated fairly when police need to summon towing services following an accident or car trouble on a public roadway.

Approved in August, the 20-page document outlines the responsibilities of towing companies and sets guidelines for compensation. The policy also mandates that towing companies have someone available 24 hours a day to authorize the release of vehicles. Towing firms are also forbidden to respond to accidents on their own volition unless they are summoned by the police.

The entire document is posted on the county’s Web site.

The seven-member Tow Advisory Board is composed of representatives from the Sheriff’s Office, the Culpeper Police Department, the Virginia State Police and local towing service operators.
Also Wednesday, County Administrator Frank Bossio is expected to brief the supervisors on the county’s budget status and projects. Other items on the agenda include:

- Consideration of grants to the sheriff’s office and library.

- Consideration of naming the county’s building at 151 N. Main Street the Giles H. Miller Jr. Memorial Building.

- An update on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s U.S. 29 corridor blueprint study.

Reminder:
The Board of Supervisors has moved their regular meeting day to Wednesday due to Election Day. The meeting times remain the same — 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.