DOUG MOGLIN
SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen is considering adding a second tow company to its call list.
Southwick Collission Center has requested it be added to the town tow call rotation. Owner Todd Doiron said last night towing is a new service they provide to customers and they want to expand to the town.
“We’ve made a large initial investment – it’s a lot of growth for us,” said Doiron.
Police Chief David Ricardi said the town is allowed to contract with up to three tow companies. He said Southwick used to have three several years ago, but now contracts only with Prifti Motors.
JOSEPH J. DEEDY.
“If they can’t get there, we don’t have a back up,” said Ricardi. “We used to have Michael’s in Westfield but they closed.”
Ricardi said the number of town tows has decreased over the past few years, from 200 per year in 2013 to 157 last year and most likely about 100 this year. Ricardi said he still would like a second company on call.
“There have been refusals and we have gone to Michael’s on occasion,” Ricardi said, adding “it’s not a reflection on (Prifti’s) service.”
Prifti Motors owner Don Prift said he always answers the calls and he has a back up system in place.
“I have a back up system with a fleet of 20 trucks that can be here within 20 minutes,” Prifti said. “Your idea of a back up system holds no water in my eyes . . . and I’ve never refused a call.”
Selectmen Chairman Joseph Deedy said he was previously the third tow company in the rotation and there is no need for three companies, and there may not be enough work for two.
Selectman Douglas Moglin said he was concerned that adding a second company to the rotation would not make the money worthwhile for either company.
Doiron said that remains to be seen but he wants the opportunity to contract with the town.
“I’d like to take some time to study this,” said Moglin. “I don’t want to do a disservice and have two guys be unhappy.”
The board agreed to table a vote until its next meeting, which is set for Aug. 31.
