First Reading of ATV-UTV Ordinance Passes 2-1

Following a public hearing, the Henry County Board of Supervisors passed the first reading of a proposed ATV-UTV ordinance.  But it was not unanimous. Supervisor Marc Lindeen voted no after specifically expressing his objections that included an increase in lawsuits. Supervisors Greg Moeller and Chad White voted in favor. The issue has been brought to the board before. In the past the supervisors voted to continue to follow state code instead of creating a county ordinance allowing the vehicles on county roads. Sheriff Rich McNamee has previously held back from expressing his opinion on whether or not the county should have its’ own ordinance. But Tuesday he felt he should speak to the issue as the top county law enforcement officers saying it gives his deputies another enforcement tool. Some concerns were brought up during the public hearing dealing with things like limiting the use to certain roads, speed limit, proof of insurance, hours of operation. Supervisor White commented that the intent of the ordinance is to ensure operators follow the rules of the road not to create rec trails. There will have to be two more readings before the ordinance could pass.