The Middletown Division of Police will begin collecting a fee for impounded cars in an attempt to generate revenue.

Previously, the six wrecking companies used by the city to tow impounded vehicles and those damaged in accidents did not have to pay a part of their contracting fees to the city. However, due to the costs accrued from impounds, fees will be raised $75 on all tows, while tows on passenger vehicles will jump from $75 for a tow and $100 for a flatbed to a fixed $175. For all fees, $75 will be payable directly to the police department for impounds, said Maj. David VanArsdale.

The city also will get a cut on unclaimed vehicles that get sold or scrapped, up to $75, he said.

“Obviously, these are hard times for the city and we’re looking at ways that we can generate revenue, and this is one way to do it,” VanArsdale said. “When we impound a car, there is a cost associated with that, and this is a way for us to recover some of that from the offender.”

While the rate hikes may make some towing companies unhappy — and also the customers who will have to pay them — it’s just part of doing business, said Doug Thoma, owner of Sandy’s Towing, which contracts with Middletown police.

“There is no question it is tougher to make money, but if you are going to be in the business, it’s what you have to do,” he said. “We’ll definitely keep towing with the city.”

Fees vary by city, though all police departments do control to some extent how much towing companies charge.

Hamilton, which implemented a new fee structure last year, collects $30 for impounds, an administrative fee, plus splits fees on storage and scrap with its towing companies. Based on collections since the end of the July, it is on track to generate $141,924, said Chief Neil Ferdelman.

In Oxford, police have their own impound lot and collect $100 per impound plus $12 per day to store the vehicle, said Officer Ron Brooks.

Franklin, while it has its own impound lot, does not charge a fee, said Capt. Ross Coulton.

Monroe also does not charge a fee for impounds at this time, said Lt. Brian Curlis.