Agenda Item Wording:
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Approve a contract for heavy vehicle towing- Approve a contract with Prime Towing for heavy-duty vehicle towing services. The contract shall not exceed $30,000 annually, totaling $150,000 over the term of the contract, with an option to renew annually for up to (4) additional one-year terms.
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Agenda Date: 06/01/2026
Prepared by:
Danny Galindo, Public Works Manager, danny.galindo@visalia.gov , 713-4186
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov ,713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve a contract with Prime Towing for heavy-duty vehicle towing services. The contract shall not exceed $30,000 annually, totaling $150,000 over the term of the contract, with an option to renew annually for up to (4) additional one-year terms.
Summary:
Approval of this contract will provide the City with reliable on-call heavy-duty towing services to support fleet operations, maintenance activities, and emergency response needs. Prime Towing was selected as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder through a competitive bidding process and has previously provided satisfactory service to the City, ensuring continuity and operational efficiency for the heavy-duty vehicle fleet.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia Purchasing Division solicited bid proposals through Request for Bid (RFB) 24-25-52 for an annual contract to provide on-call towing services for the City’s heavy-duty vehicle fleet, which consist of approximately 170 vehicles. The contract is intended to ensure timely and reliable towing support for the City operations and fleet maintenance needs involving heavy-duty equipment and vehicles.
Two bids were received and evaluated as part of the competitive bidding process. Prime Towing submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid in the amount of $5,999.52, while Express Towing submitted a bid of $7,200.00. Based on the evaluation of the bids received, Prime Towing was determined to provide the best overall value to the City. Approval of the contract will ensure the City maintains reliable heavy-duty towing services to support fleet operations and emergency response needs.
The bid amounts submitted by Prime Towing and Express Towing were based on estimated quantities of towing services included in the Request for Bid for evaluation purposes only. The proposed annual contract amount of $30,000 is based on the City’s historical expenditures for heavy-duty towing services and is intended to provide sufficient funding capacity for as-needed towing services throughout the contract term.
Prime Towing also held the City’s previous heavy-duty towing services contract and has satisfactorily provided towing services during the prior contract term. Approval of the contract will provide continuity of service and maintain established coordination with City staff and fleet operations.
Historical expenditures for heavy-duty towing services are as follows:
FY23-24 = $20,623
FY24-25 = $25,477
FY25-26 = $21,850
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs:
These cost are budgeted annually in the Fleet Maintenance division (5012). Expenditures are paid initially out of the Fleet Maintenance Fund, and subsequently charged to the vehicle user departments monthly, as incurred.
Prior Council Action: None
Alternatives: None recommended
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to approve a contract with Prime Towing for heavy-duty vehicle towing services. The contract shall not exceed $30,000 annually, totaling $150,000 over the term of the contract, with an option to renew annually for up to (4) additional one-year terms.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 06/01/2026
Attachments:
RFB
Prime Towing Bid
Bid Summary
Contract
Levine Act
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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