City instituting buyback program for unwanted cars

City instituting buyback program for unwanted cars Brian Smith Tue, 04/09/2024 - 8:12 pm Jacksboro residents will have an opportunity to get rid of vehicles free of charge and earn some money in the process. In a partnership between the city and Jacksboro Towing and Recovery, unwanted vehicles cluttering yards within the city limits can be removed from the property, the owner receiving between $100-$200 for the car between April 15-July 15. Jacksboro Towing owner Frankie Jones said it may not seem like a lot of money but by the time an individual gets a truck and trailer to tow the vehicle to a yard, which requires fluids and tires be removed from the vehicle, it’s a good deal. “There are people who think their 1977 Chevette that dogs live in is worth $1,000,” Jones explained. “Still, it’s a very fair offer for everything you get and don’t have to deal with.” Jacksboro Towing will be in charge of the program for the first three months. On July 16, Code Enforcement Officer Johnny Burritt says the city will be broken down into quadrants and, one at a time, stickers will be placed on cars and owners spoken to about the vehicle being removed. “After the initial three months, they have lost the opportunity to make some money,” Burritt said. City Manager Mike Smith said the program, which was discussed with council members and prior code enforcement officers in the past, is a way to get the city cleaned up. Burritt said he attended a program sponsored by the state on how cities can foster such a program to clean things up. Jones said many people don’t have a truck or trailer or simply don’t have a way to remove vehicles, so this gives them a helping hand. Jones said that even if the title for the vehicle is lost, the owner has a way out. “I can help you with the paperwork for a lost title,” Jones explained. “I’ll only do it if you sign my receipt but they do have a way out.” Burritt said for the first three months the City can answer questions about the program but all the work is done by Jacksboro Towing. For information about the program, call Burritt at 940-567-6321. Residents wanting to get rid of a vehicle can call Jones at 940-229-9758.