Henry County sets registration fee for ATVs and UTVs

Anyone planning to use all-terrain vehicles or utility terrain vehicles on Henry County roads must now register those vehicles with the county.

Last week, the Board of Supervisors approved final passage of an ordinance governing the use of ATVs and UTVs on county roads, and on Tuesday morning, they set the registration fees.

After some debate, supervisors set the annual registration fee at $50, with an additional $5 fee to cover the remainder of 2021. A total payment of $55 will register a vehicle through the end of 2022.

The fee resolution passed by a 2-1 vote, with Supervisor Chad White voting against it.

Board Chair Mark Lindeen advocated for a higher fee.

“I look at this as similar to other vehicles on public roads,” Lindeen said. “I would like to see a minimum of $50 for a year or $75 for a year and a half.”

When asked what other counties charge for ATV and UTV registrations, Lindeen responded, “I don’t care what other counties are doing.”

White advocated for a fee in the range of $35, but agreed that, “a $50 fee is not unreasonable.”

Lindeen offered a motion to set the annual fee at $50 and an additional $25 to cover the remainder of 2021. That motion died for lack of a second.

Supervisor Greg Moeller, then, offered a motion to set the registration fee at $50, with an additional $5 to cover the remainder of 2021, and that motion passed.

Enforcement will fall to Sheriff Rich McNamee and his office.

“Some will pay, and some won’t,” County Recorder Mindy Fitzgibbon said. “Then, Rich will have to deal with them.”

All ATVs and UTVs are required to be registered with the state Department of Natural Resources.