ATV/UTV Vote in Jasper County Ends in Tie Again

A second attempt to pass an ordinance permitting ATVs and UTVs on Jasper County roads failed again Thursday night, as the vote once again ended up in a tie.

The vote was 6 to 6, just as it was earlier this year.

The measure would have permitted the vehicles on county roadways, but would not have extended to township roads; each individual township would have to decide whether it wanted to permit the vehicles on their roads.

Jasper County resident Nate Hagen spoke in favor of the ordinance, saying he feels the units are as safe as a car and that they have improved since coming about in 1967. He said legalizing the vehicles would eliminate police chases and could be a good source of revenue. Hagen said the units would be nice for hunting and for mowing cemeteries.

Susan Lindley of Marathon also spoke on behalf of the ordinance, saying it would give the Marathon more business and said she feels people are already riding on the roadways anyway.

Kent Beavers disagreed. Beavers is the Wade Township road commissioner. Beavers said erecting 100 signs would cost $6,000 plus labor, and feels that if the county measure passed, there would be pressure on townships to pass a similar measure. He said if it was a good idea to have such an ordinance, more counties would have it in place.