Concerns raised over Storey Wrecker's contract with the city of Tulsa

Some of Storey Wrecker's competitors are crying "foul," saying they haven't gotten a fair shot at a city of Tulsa contract in more than 30 years. <br/><br/>As News on 6 anchor Tami Marler explains,

Tuesday, December 14th 2004, 10:16 am

By: News On 6

Some of Storey Wrecker's competitors are crying "foul," saying they haven't gotten a fair shot at a city of Tulsa contract in more than 30 years.

As News on 6 anchor Tami Marler explains, some Tulsa city councilors are listening.

Any time a city vehicle breaks down, Storey Wrecker is ready to respond with one of 30 vehicles and about 55 employees. When Tulsa Police impound a car, Storey Wrecker is called-in, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for more than 30 years with only a one-year gap. Unlike most city bids, the towing contract goes to the "highest" bidder.

Right now, Storey pays the City of Tulsa $100,000 a year, but its well worth the investment. Storey makes its money by billing the vehicle owner directly for any towing and storage costs.

Storey almost lost the city contract in 2000, when Allied Towing offered 2% more, but Storey offered more favorable, immediate payment terms. Dana Storey says, in the 30 years they've done business with the City of Tulsa, it's been on the up-and-up, but other contractors are crying 'foul.â€™

Tulsa's City Councilor Jack Henderson has requested a committee to look into complaints that Oklahoma's largest towing company has an unfair advantage. Dana Storey says the only advantage they have comes from investment, taking-on risk, and hard work.

Storey workers are getting ready for the holidays, one of their busiest times. They want to remind drivers of their year-round free-towing service, for those who know they've had too much to drink.

Meantime, the Tulsa city councilâ€™s new committee will form after the holidays.