Citizens invited to voice approval, concerns about potential county ordinance for ATV/UTV use

A public hearing for the consideration of an ATV/UTV ordinance that would allow use on Henry County Roads will be held during a Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday, April 18. The meeting begins at 9 a.m.

Sheriff Rich McNamee said Henry County is the only county in southeast Iowa that doesn't have an ATV/UTV ordinance allowing ATVs and UTVs on county roads.

'I've spoken with my neighboring sheriffs,” McNamee said. 'They want it because it's promoting tourism and comfortable, safe driving in our county. I want to make it easier for enforcement for myself and my deputies. I want to simplify it.”

McNamee said he is not necessarily for or against the ordinance. Either way, he will enforce it, he said.

Henry County attorney Darin Stater said there are provisions in the Iowa Code to stop reckless driving of any kind, including ATVs and UTVs. 'It's about enforcement though,” Stater said.

McNamee said an ordinance would still prohibit ATV and UTV drivers from speeding and other reckless driving, and all vehicles must be insured under Iowa's insurance law.

Ana Lair, Henry County treasurer, spoke in favor of an ATV/UTV ordinance. Lair, a New London resident, said she rides her ATV in Des Moines County. She would love to be able to keep her ATV at home and ride it from there, but she can't do that legally right now in Henry County.

Tim Battey, Henry County resident, spoke out against allowing recreational use of ATVs and UTVs on county roads, saying he lives in the country and likes peace and quiet.

'We've always had an issue on Kentucky Avenue,” Battey said. 'They don't only ride them on the gravel roads, they go out and they cut cookies. This is what I see with ATV use more than (people) going on this nice family ride down the gravel road. That's not going to happen.”