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Baby steps were the key words for Randy Verkamp on Thursday, as the Phelps County Commission tackled the issue of all-terrain-vehicles.
A decision or even a consensus on how permits would be implemented for U.S. Forest Service roads was not reached during the meeting, but commissioners were resolved to create a county program.
The issue has generated much discussion and a handful of responses from county residents. The drafting of an ordinance was recommended to be handled by Prosecuting Attorney Courtney George.
One such idea proposed by Verkamp would set a one-year trial for the permits.
District Two Commissioner Bud Dean was at first uncertain a trial period was necessary, but he was quickly followed by Verkamp’s assertion it would allow the county the opportunity to examine the costs and benefits, with the option of halting permits if it deemed necessary.
District One Commissioner Larry Stratman suggested the permits in the trial period be granted without a possible $15 charge.
Stratman also argued not charging fees would make it easier for the county to cancel the program since citizens wouldn’t be able to object because they already paid for their permit.
County Clerk Carol Bennett was less enthusiastic about free permits, noting that there was costs associated with them that need to be considered.
Baby steps were the key words for Randy Verkamp on Thursday, as the Phelps County Commission tackled the issue of all-terrain-vehicles.
A decision or even a consensus on how permits would be implemented for U.S. Forest Service roads was not reached during the meeting, but commissioners were resolved to create a county program.
The issue has generated much discussion and a handful of responses from county residents. The drafting of an ordinance was recommended to be handled by Prosecuting Attorney Courtney George.
One such idea proposed by Verkamp would set a one-year trial for the permits.
District Two Commissioner Bud Dean was at first uncertain a trial period was necessary, but he was quickly followed by Verkamp’s assertion it would allow the county the opportunity to examine the costs and benefits, with the option of halting permits if it deemed necessary.
District One Commissioner Larry Stratman suggested the permits in the trial period be granted without a possible $15 charge.
Stratman also argued not charging fees would make it easier for the county to cancel the program since citizens wouldn’t be able to object because they already paid for their permit.
County Clerk Carol Bennett was less enthusiastic about free permits, noting that there was costs associated with them that need to be considered.
