Residents parking downtown will now have to pay $95 if their cars are towed -- $10 more than they used to.

A request to increase costs was placed by several of the authorized towing companies in State College in August. On Oct. 17, the State College Borough Council granted the request.

The towing companies, including Walk's Auto Service Center, John Tennis Towing and Professionals Auto Body Inc., have requested the increase for several reasons.

"Gas has skyrocketed, insurance has skyrocketed, and maintenance on equipment has skyrocketed," Professionals Auto Body owner Ron Perretta said.

Gas prices have led to a fuel surcharge from towing companies, Perretta said.

"If the gas prices go down then we make the needed adjustments to the surcharge," Perretta said.

All towing businesses are required to have insurance on their towing equipment, he said. "The cost of insurance has almost doubled for us, and because of that we cannot continue to bill what we have been," Perretta said.

He said it is necessary for towing companies to have the most up-to-date, proper equipment and knowledgeable people. Perretta added that without appropriate tools, cars could be damaged during the towing process. The new equipment and employees also cause an increase in the costs of towing, he said.

Towing companies have not increased prices or asked for an increase for two years, State College Borough Manager Tom Fountaine said. He added that it was time the borough looked into the prices of towing.

"They have an expectation of the borough to review their budget," Fountaine said.

Long-distance towing has also increased from $2.25 to $3 per mile, State College Police Chief Tom King said. "This is the same price AAA considers acceptable in the area, and it is unfair to ask local towing companies to charge any less," King said.

After looking at several competing companies in the area, council found new increases to be fair.

State College Borough Council member Tom Daubert, who voted against the increase, said the council looked at several companies in the local area. Of the local towing services reviewed by the borough, Daubert said half have higher costs than the new increased prices, and half the businesses have lower prices.

"And considering the living cost of Centre County, the towing rate is still acceptable," he said.

Elizabeth McAllister (sophomore-crime, law and justice) said the new increase could put a dent in her funds.

"I understand why they are increasing costs, but I am not overly excited to pay it," McAllister said. "I get towed all the time, and it adds up after a while."

Perretta said even though the increase may appear inconvenient, it is a necessary action to take.

"If we would not ask for the increase, then there is not going to be anyone able to service those in need," Perretta said.