The Starkville Board of Aldermen is weighing new rules that would regulate towing practices citywide following complaints from residents and Mississippi State University parents about what they call “predatory towing.”

The proposal, introduced at the board of aldermen’s Sept. 16 meeting, would cap towing fees at $250 and limit storage fees to $45 per day. Additionally, towing companies would have to maintain standard release hours, and apartment complexes would be mandated to display clear, visible signage in all private lots where towing is enforced.

For many, this issue has hit close to home, especially to university students. Christine Williams, a parent of an MSU student, informed the aldermen during the public hearing that her daughter’s car was towed from a dimly lit lot near visitor parking in College View. Additionally, multiple students who were towed at the same time were charged inconsistent cash prices for car retrieval.

“It wasn’t until it became my own child who was towed that I realized now it’s personal,” Williams said. “It really is an unfavorable practice, and it does target the students.”

Ben Shurden, the owner of Apex Towing, agreed that clearer regulations are necessary. However, he pointed out that many of the rules his company must follow are set by apartment complexes and private property owners.

Shurden highlighted that, despite negative public opinion, Apex Towing strives for transparency by photographing every vehicle before towing and equipping its drivers with body cameras.

“Social media has expressed their opinions, but the facts are we are in compliance,” Shurden said. “We’re going above and beyond to make sure that we stay within compliance and our knowledge of business, the cameras and extensive documentation.”

Shurden submitted his proposed changes regarding the drafted ordinance to the Board of Aldermen; however, he did not have time to present them at the hearing.

Tuesday’s session marked the first of two required public hearings before the board can take action. The second hearing is set to occur in the courtroom of Starkville City Hall on Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m.