WICHITA FALLS — Wichita Falls City Councilors approved a sole source contract between Wichita Falls and Jody Wade Enterprises LLC, and Collins Motor Company, LLC for the towing and impound services required by the city.
A 6 to 1 vote, with Councilor Tim Ingle objecting, approved a sole-source method for receiving and maintaining Wichita Falls Police Department vehicle inventory and eliminates the wrecker rotation list that has been in place for many years.
Several people voiced concerns over the proposal, including other towing and wrecker companies across town. Their main concern was the complete elimination of the rotation list, which they were under the impression would be reduced to only wrecking services and that Wade would take over impounding.
Wichita Falls residents still have the option to call the towing company of their choice in an accident. If a person involved in an accident has no preference, however, Wade will be called by default.
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Comments » 17
Wichita_Willie writes:
So TRN, what was said about the location for such an impound lot?
misplacedwichitan writes:
It will be on Armory Road at the old Bonham school location.
Wichita_Willie writes:
This is NOT a good location for a impound/salvage yard. It is next door to a cemetery, just a short distance from Sterling House retirement center, two rehab hospitals and Southern Hills Elementary is just down the street. We have enough junk yards already all along Sheppard Access Road and the Upper Charlie Roads.
So why allow Wade to set up yet another on the city's south side. This will quickly be an eye sore as well as a good home for skunks and other critters.
I absolutely CANNOT understand what the city council is doing any more. Instead of focusing on our lakes and water they continue to dabble in crap like this in order to make it appear that they are doing something and working for us, when in reality all this was was another sweet deal for Wade (as usual).
Trapper writes:
Once again the city council of River City proves just how they do things. This was a done deal before it even came to discussion. It is the same thing that Wade tried when he started Presidential Taxi. Eliminate Competition.
Alethia writes:
I smell a big fat rat! Monopoly of business is not good. Competition is good. Just makes you go "Hmmmmm". Think Wichita needs to clean up it's little "White House".
wrencher writes:
I cant believe the stupidity of our City Council. You are going to basically give a monopoly to a man with questionable business ethics and morals. This isnt the first time he has tried to put other businesses out so that he could corner the market on things. Luckily it didnt happen with the taxi fiasco a few years back but looks like he got his way on the wreckers.
PernelI writes:
So long Al. It has been good for a long time. We will miss you.
Texanforlife writes:
Socialism appears to alive and well in Wichita Falls. We need some small business men and women on the council. Bring back free enterprise !!!
ST123 writes:
It was a done deal from the git go. Go watch the Replay of the council meeting. How come Jody Wade was the only one who completely understood the bid? Maybe because he helped write the Bid request or something. Didn't the City try something like this years ago with Jody Wade and ended on bad terms? Why go into it with him again? The lady in the black and white jacket was exactly right....Wichita Falls is a small town and everybody knows everything. Someone ask the supervisor at the impound yard when he was told of his reassignment. I'll bet it wasnt this afternoon.
Trapper writes:
Aw, the tales I could tell, if only I would.
Wichita_Willie writes:
I clearly remember his involvement in "Taxigate". I also remember him dodging his taxes, declaring bankruptcy and in the meantime having his fleet of equipment vanish one afternoon so that none could be repossessed.
For some time I was strong supporter of Borrego for police chief. But he lost my confidence in him for going along with this. You simply don't let someone with questionable ethics get a sweet business deal like this.
Trapper writes:
Actually WW the fleet did not vanish. Presidential Limo, Inc. went bankrupt, but all the taxis had been refinanced under Presidential Transportation, Prezo Inc. Other than the ones that were not running and they had been financed by a Vernon bank and were repossessed. Then he bought them back later for "parts". If you wish to know more private message me with where I can reach you and I will be glad to fill you in on a bunch of stuff that you most likely would not believe.
reddirtp writes:
Look up public corruption on the FBI's website. Too bad I am on the outside. A brave soul who knows what is going on could speak up and have some of what goes on around here looked into. It is one thing for a business man to work hard and build a business, it is another for collusion between public officials and private enterprise to allow people to line their pockets with stolen tax dollars. America is flush with this stuff because nobody speaks up.
Texanforlife writes:
If the other tow companies have been put out of business or treated unfairly by the City of Wichita Falls and its council they should take all of them to court(I would ask for a change of venue).
Spartan writes:
I'm not sure about the change of venue. If I'm suing the City Council, a jury from Wichita Falls might be just what I want
Trapper writes:
Actually if I were suing the City Council, I would want the suit heard in Clay, Archer, or Montague counties. The City of Wichita Falls does not have a good track record in the 97th District Courts.
eagleeye writes:
Jody Wade is a schmuck, horrible businessman, things don't go well, so he just files bankruptcy(numerous times) and then he and his wife get brand new vehicles(BMW's) and their 16 year old kid is currently driving a Hummer... amazing what some people get away with, I work hard, pay my taxes, run my business right and have to drive a 13 year old car?? He walks around like he is all that and more...
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