Des Moines benefits from deal with Crow Tow. But what about residents?

AI-assisted summary

Crow Tow's contract with Des Moines appears to allows the company to keep auction proceeds from unclaimed impounded vehicles, a practice not typical in other states.

This change in practice, along with low towing fees, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and lack of transparency.

City officials plan to revisit the towing contract in November to address citizen complaints and consumer protections.

Part of a series.

The impound contract the Des Moines Police Department maintains with Crow Tow — one city leaders will revisit this fall — has been a sweetheart deal for city coffers.

But this year, the towing company quietly made it much more profitable, creating new concerns for insurance fraud experts and some local officials.

Under the contract tha