What the commission is saying about booting vehicles.

Booting is back on the menu in DeKalb County, where commissioners have revised an ordinance that would regulate the use of immobilization devices for vehicles that were parked illegally.

When the Board of Commissioners first began discussing the issue, some members wondered whether booting should be banned outright as other counties in Metro Atlanta have.

They directed st aff in August to come up with new language making booting illegal on private prop- erty in unincorporated DeKalb. However, there was stiff opposition from boot- ing companies and some property owners that slowed down action.

The latest draft of the ordinance is similar to the initial draft and provides a framework for booting. The Board of Commissioners’ Employee Relations & Public Safety Committee will discuss the latest proposal Tuesday morning at 9.

Companies would be allowed to charge up to $75 for the removal of boots on automobiles and up to $300 to take these devices off semi trucks, even those without a trailer attached. Boots must be removed within 40 min- utes after payment is made.

Compani es will be required to apply for per- mits to operate booting ser- vices, plus employees who install the devices will also need permits. The proposal also requires signage at lots where booting will occur, and property owners are not allowed to receive kick- backs on any fees.

Violations of the ordinance could result in $200 fines for a first offense.