The Chattanooga Passenger Vehicle Board convened on September 5, 2025, to address key issues affecting local towing regulations and proposed rate increases for city towing services. The meeting began with a reminder of the sunshine law, followed by the approval of minutes from the previous meeting.

One of the primary discussions centered around the presentation by Mark Shackleford from Shackleford Towing. He highlighted the need for updates to the city's private property towing ordinance, which he described as outdated and in need of modernization. Shackleford emphasized the importance of aligning local laws with recent changes in state legislation, particularly the Motion Act of 2025, which aims to enhance consumer protections and clarify definitions related to towing practices. He noted that the act underwent significant revisions, reflecting input from industry stakeholders to ensure it meets the needs of both consumers and towing companies.

In addition to Shackleford's presentation, Chris Anderson from the mayor's office proposed annual rate increases for city towing services. The current rates of $2.25 for daytime tows and $2.50 for night and weekend tows are set to increase due to inflation. Anderson explained that the proposed adjustments would raise the rates to approximately $2.32 and $2.58, respectively. This increase is part of a broader strategy to ensure that towing fees remain aligned with inflationary trends, with further adjustments anticipated in January 2026.

The board engaged in discussions about the implications of these rate increases, particularly concerning the city's fiscal responsibilities. Members expressed a desire to balance fair compensation for towing services while maintaining budgetary constraints for the city government.

The meeting concluded with a motion to recommend the proposed rate increases to the city council for approval, marking a significant step in updating local towing regulations and ensuring that they reflect current economic conditions. The board's actions underscore the ongoing efforts to modernize Chattanooga's transportation policies and enhance service delivery in the community.