Commissioners take over tow contract administration
Post-Tribune
January 18, 2017
Lake County commissioners now have control of the county's towing operations.
Commissioners signed off Wednesday on the two ordinances approved by the county council last week that transfer control to the three-man panel.
Commissioners did not take any action in proposing a new contract or making any changes to the existing contract, postponing any action until the February meeting, or possibly, an earlier special meeting if necessary.
New commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-Schererville, said he supports rescinding the ordinance that gives towing authority to the sheriff and moving the money collected from the nonreverting towing fund to the general fund. The three commissioners will be responsible for all towing contacts.
"(This means) we will continue with the original ordinance until we put something new in place," Tippy said.
He also said he would like to discuss removing the two towing companies involved in the indictment from any contract commissioners might approve.
"We've got to give that consideration," Tippy said.
The county council last week in first and second readings moved to strip responsibility of the towing contracts from Sheriff John Buncich in the wake of a towing scandal alleging bribes and misappropriation of funds.
Buncich, former Chief of Police Timothy Downs and William Szarmach, of CSA Towing in Lake Station, were named in a multicount indictment on Nov. 18 alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich's Boosters, according to court records.
All three are facing charges of wire fraud, while Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery.
Buncich and Szarmach have pleaded not guilty.
Downs struck a plea agreement with the U.S. attorney's office, which a federal judge has not yet accepted, admitting he allegedly cooperated with Buncich to solicit brides from tow truck operators for favorable treatment.
Commissioners President Michael Repay, D-Hammond, said he agrees with his fellow councilman concerning what companies may be allowed to participate in future towing contracts with the county.
He said commissioners are working on changing the contract to improve how the operation works.
The terms of the existing contract as it relates to the two operators will remain in place until commissioners approve a new deal.
"What I desire to do is professionalize the selection process … ," Repay said.
John Dull, commissioners' attorney, said work is underway to create a list of criteria for tow operators.
Officials also are working with Lake County E-911 to establish the best way to dispatch tow trucks when they are requested by sheriff's deputies.
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