§ 16-23. Lien on vehicle; charges.

The city shall have a lien upon each impounded vehicle for the amount of the cost of removing and impounding such vehicle, plus such reasonable amount as may be charged by the depository for storing such vehicle. In the event such vehicle is moved by the police or street department with its own equipment, the charge for moving it shall be such amount as set by the governing body. In the event such vehicle is stored at police headquarters, the storage charge shall be such amount as set by the governing body. All such charges are hereby declared to be reasonable and proper charges to cover the cost of hauling to the depository or police headquarters and storage therein. No vehicle impounded as provided in this article shall be released to any claimant without the payment of the charges provided in this section, unless the chief of police is reasonably satisfied that such vehicle was improperly impounded. The payment of any charges prescribed by this section shall not have the effect of relieving the owner or operator of the vehicle from any penalty prescribed or from trial and conviction for the violation.

(Ord. of 12-12-67, § 4)