A. If, after the expiration of 15 days from the date of mailing of notice to the registered and legal owner, the vehicle or automobile hulk remains unclaimed and has not been listed as a stolen or recovered vehicle, then the tow truck operator shall conduct a sale of the same at public auction after having first published notice of the date, time and place of the same in a newspaper of general circulation in Pierce County not less than three days before the date of such auction.

B. Such abandoned vehicle or automobile hulk shall be sold to the highest bidder at such auction. The proceeds of such sale, after deducting the towing and storage charges due the tow truck operator, including the cost of sale, which shall be computed as in a sheriff’s sale, shall be paid into the Gig Harbor city treasury.

C. If the amount bid at the auction is insufficient to compensate the tow truck operator, he shall be entitled to assert a claim for any deficiency, not to exceed $100.00, against the last registered owner of such vehicle or automobile hulk; provided, that a registered owner who has complied with the transfer provisions established by RCW 16.49A.420 shall be relieved of liability under this section. (Ord. 1362 § 1, 2017; Ord. 122 § 7, 1969).