Snap Towing loses Las Vegas Metro contract, putting jobs at risk
Money Moves Las Vegas, NV localNew reporting shows the sheriff signed the dispatch contract in September, and Snap's replacement was until recently owned by Autura's parent company.
Overview
Snap Towing lost its place on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's towing rotation in September, ending work worth about $1 million a month and putting 98 jobs at risk. The company says no one explained why.
Autura, which has run Metro's dispatch since 2016, won a five-year renewal that Sheriff Kevin McMahill signed in September without a vote by the Fiscal Affairs Committee, the Nevada Current reported Nov. 2. The committee approved a report on the renewal on Oct. 29 without the public hearing Snap supporters requested. Snap's replacement in the rotation, Quality Towing, was until recently owned by the corporation that bought Autura.
Why it matters
A $1 million-a-month police contract changed hands without a public hearing, and the company that lost it says no one explained why.
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Police car parked at Treasure Island on Las Vegas Strip, illuminated by vibrant neon signs and lights at night.
Snap Towing loses Metro contract putting nearly 100 jobs at risk
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Voices
Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.
People Involved
Organizations Involved
A Henderson-based, minority-owned tow company that handled Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department tows for about a decade.
The police department that contracts with tow operators to clear crashes and other incidents in Las Vegas.
The company that dispatches Metro's tow calls, formerly known as AutoReturn.
The committee that reviews Metro's fiscal matters, including its towing contract.
A chamber of commerce whose representative spoke in support of a public review.
A tow company added to Metro's rotation in 2026 in place of Snap Towing.
Timeline
2016 October 2026
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Committee approves Autura report without a hearing
Latest ContractThe Fiscal Affairs Committee approved a report on Metro's contract renewal with Autura on a consent agenda. It declined a request to hear the item separately. The five-year contract itself had been signed by the sheriff in September, the Nevada Current reported.
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Snap removed from Metro roster
ContractSnap Towing is taken off the contract after a decade. The company says it was given no explanation.
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Sheriff signs five-year Autura renewal
ContractSheriff Kevin McMahill approved Metro's towing dispatch contract with Autura under his authority to sign some goods and services agreements, according to the Nevada Current. Critics say the step bypassed the Fiscal Affairs Committee.
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Metro rewrites towing Request for Proposals
ProcurementMetro says it rewrote its Request for Proposals this spring to address conflict-of-interest concerns.
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Snap Towing begins Metro work
ContractSnap Towing starts as one of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's towing providers.
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Metro outsources towing dispatch to AutoReturn
ContractMetro hands dispatch of police-related tows to the company now called Autura, which charges a $32.50 fee on each tow bill instead of billing the county.
Scenarios
Snap Sues Metro Over Contract Removal
Discussed by: Snap co-owner Danny Thompson and company statements
Thompson says Snap will pursue all options, including a possible lawsuit. A suit would likely center on how Metro removed Snap and whether it followed its own procurement rules. The company says it has emails and certified letters showing it tried to meet with Metro for more than a year.
Autura Begins Dispatching Under New Contract
Discussed by: Metro Chief Financial Officer Damon Harris and Metro officials
Metro says the new system uses neutral dispatch rules and that at least three qualified tow companies will get work. If the contract proceeds without being reopened, Autura would take over the middleman role and tow calls would be assigned by qualification and performance.
Committee Reopens Contract After Public Pressure
Discussed by: Snap supporters, Urban Chamber of Commerce and public comment speakers
Dozens of community members asked the Fiscal Affairs Committee to pull the contract from its consent agenda and hold a public hearing. If the committee reopens the matter, it could vote to reconsider the award, request more information or hold a formal review.
State Lawmakers Rewrite Oversight of Metro's Towing Contract
Discussed by: Snap Towing co-owners and advocate Rick McCann
Snap says it will ask state lawmakers to weigh in, and McCann says the goal is to strengthen how the Fiscal Affairs Committee oversees Metro. A bill would have to be drafted and pass both chambers before it could change the arrangement.