Complaint Review: Discount Towing & Lakeview Mobile Home Park

I was in the midst of fixing up my car when one day I noticed an orange sticker stating my car will be towed if my tabs were not renewed. My car was in my driveway, not in the street. So I took the sticker off and went to my park office and explained the situation to them, and they informed me that it is city ordinance that even cars in driveways had to be current with tabs. No problem, however I explained to that that I am fixing my car, so I am not going to waste money on tabs if I can't get it working, in that case I would donate the car to charity.

Now, they told me that the tow company before they could remove cars, had to check in with the office first, and in that case, the office would tell them that I had an extension on the deadline. The VERY next day, the car was towed. Now I am stuck with a $1260 bill. I was expecting to hear from the tow company with a bill or something, but all I received was a letter stating that if I wanted the car back, I would have to pay all the associated fees. Since that would cost more than what the car was worth, I decided not to pursue it. All of a sudden, I get a letter from a collection agency saying I am ignoring the bill, and just today, I get a court notice for not paying the fees. I never received a bill from the tow company, and believe me if I had, I would have taken it up with them. But since it is in collection and in the court system, it is out of Discounts hands.

There is no possible way I can come up with $1260, especially since I already owe a lot in medical bills, regular bills, and a pretty soon, I'll be starting to pay back some pretty hefty student loans. So, am I SOL or is there something I can do? I can't afford to have my wages garnished.

Frank
Ypsilanti, MI, Michigan
U.S.A.