The Haines Borough has received one bid from a local company proposing to solve the borough’s towing, impoundment and junked-car issues.
Bigfoot Auto Service, owned by Paul Nelson, submitted the only bid to the borough.
The assembly voted in December to pursue a private fix for junked vehicle and towing problems before making a decision on a motor vehicle registration tax. The tax would cost vehicle owners $22 every two years.
Assistant to the manager Darsie Culbeck said the bid is currently under review. A report and recommendation regarding the bid will be presented to the assembly for its Feb. 26 meeting.
Culbeck would not comment on the bid as it is still under review, but said “it’s unfortunate that we live in such a small economy that you only get one bidder.”
Manager Mark Earnest said if the assembly contracts with Bigfoot and pursues a private option for dealing with towing and junked cars, that doesn’t mean a vehicle registration tax is necessarily off the table.
The assembly could accept the proposal but not the fees outlined by Bigfoot. Hypothetically, revenue from the tax could ensure Bigfoot gets paid for its services but that residents receiving services aren’t paying the entire amount of those charges.
The scope of services outlined in the request for proposals includes towing, impoundment, and abandoned vehicle disposal. The request also outlines expectations regarding response time, monthly billing and payments, and impound reports.
The motor vehicle tax ordinance is currently postponed.