Starkville MS, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Starkville are advocating for reforms to towing practices, claiming they exploit students and locals. At a recent board meeting, concerns about predatory towing emerged, particularly in relation to poorly marked parking. A proposed ordinance aims to cap towing fees and enforce clearer regulations. The community demands protection against unexpected towing incidents. Attention was given to other city matters, including lifesaver awards for firefighters and a grant for an emergency response center.
Starkville residents are advocating for reforms regarding towing practices that they believe exploit students and residents. The push for a new towing ordinance was highlighted during a recent city board meeting where concerns about predatory towing practices, particularly in apartment complexes, were raised.
Christine Williams, a Starkville resident and parent of a Mississippi State University (MSU) student, expressed her frustrations with local towing services at the meeting. She shared the personal experience of her child’s vehicle being towed from a poorly marked visitor parking area, which was inadequately lit. Williams outlined that this issue is part of a larger problem faced by many students who find themselves unexpectedly towed without clear signage or warnings.
The proposed towing ordinance is intended to protect students and residents from what is labeled as “predatory towing”. If enacted, it would impose strict regulations on towing companies operating within Starkville. Key features of the proposal include capping towing fees at $250 and limiting storage fees to $45 per day. Further requirements include standard vehicle release hours every day of the week and the necessity for visible signage in areas where towing enforcement is in effect.
At the meeting, Williams indicated that several students had reported being quoted various cash prices upon retrieval of their vehicles, raising concerns about transparency and uniformity in towing practices. Additionally, she mentioned receiving support from parents of out-of-state MSU students, many of whom wrote to the city board expressing their backing for the ordinance.
Ben Shurden, the owner of Apex Towing, acknowledged the necessity for clearer towing regulations while pointing out that individual apartment complexes set their own parking rules, often leading to confusion. He stated that Apex Towing implements transparency measures, such as photographing vehicles before towing and requiring drivers to wear body cameras to document the process. Shurden proposed changes to the ordinance and submitted these in writing to the board, although he did not have the opportunity to present them during the meeting.
The recent public hearing concluded without any immediate action from the board, but a second hearing is scheduled for October 21 to further discuss the proposed ordinance.
Additional City News
In addition to discussions regarding towing reforms, Starkville’s city board addressed other matters. Starkville Fire Department Lieutenant Greg Cochran and firefighter Morgan Fishel received lifesaver awards for their roles in rescuing a man from a burning building on September 12. The rescued individual, Ronald Prather, is expected to make a full recovery following the incident.
Recognition was given to the bravery displayed by Cochran and Fishel during this emergency, as noted by Fire Chief Dewayne Davis.
The board approved various appointments, including Kirby Mills to the Starkville airport board and the reappointment of George Lindley to the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum Board. Additionally, William Gillespie and Loren Bell were reappointed to the city’s housing authority for terms ending on October 31, 2030.
Starkville also received a $956,400 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission intended for the development of a regional emergency response center at George M. Bryan Airport. Furthermore, residents were notified of upcoming energy workshops organized by Starkville Utilities, with the first workshop slated for October 21 at Griffin Chapel Methodist Church.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the proposed towing ordinance in Starkville?
The proposed towing ordinance aims to prevent “predatory towing” practices targeting students, particularly in apartment complexes.
What are the key features of the proposed towing ordinance?
The ordinance would cap towing fees at $250, limit storage fees to $45 per day, require standard vehicle release hours seven days a week, and mandate visible signage in private parking lots where towing enforcement occurs.
Was any action taken by the board regarding the ordinance during the public hearing?
No discussion occurred after the public hearing, and the board took no action; a second public hearing is planned for October 21.
What other news was discussed at the city board meeting?
Other news included the awarding of lifesaver awards to Starkville Fire Department personnel, various board appointments, a grant for an emergency response center, and upcoming energy workshops hosted by Starkville Utilities.
Key Features of the Proposed Towing Ordinance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Towing Fee Cap | $250 |
| Storage Fee Limit | $45 per day |
| Standard Vehicle Release Hours | Seven days a week |
| Signage Requirement | Visible signage in towing enforcement areas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
U.S. Air Force Stops Training on Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs
Additional Resources
- Columbus Dispatch: Residents Back Towing Reform in Starkville
- Wikipedia: Towing
- Columbus Dispatch: Starkville Firefighters Receive Lifesaver Awards
- Google Search: Starkville Mississippi news
- Columbus Dispatch: Starkville Approves Grant for Emergency Response Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Response
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
