Former Town Official Questions Towing Permit Drop

The Stratford Town Council last week approved a $500 reduction to Stratford's towing operators permit for local businesses.

The amendment, which decreases the annual fee from $2,500 to $2,000, passed by an 8-2 vote. Before it passed, explained the motive behind the 20 percent drop.

"The main reason is to increase competition," he told Council members. "Try to allow more companies the ability to tow in town...there have been some complaints."

A week after the amendment's approval, however, the complaints persist. But this time rather than coming from area businesses, the source is a former town official.

"The question is how can Mayor Harkins and [Council Chairman] Mr. Kubic suggest we reduce fees to businesses (how many?) who they say are complaining about the permit fee," former Economic Development Commission Chairman Neil Sherman said in an email.

He continued, "Did Harkins or the town administration have any problem with the ? Did the administration study what other Fairfield County or New Haven County communities charged for their permits? Is there some kind of shortage of permit holders who can't pay the $2500?"

"Mr. Nocera said the town was lowering the permit fee to attract business -- the town's done a real good job so far -- and there's no shortage of permit holders right now," Sherman concluded.