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Local ORV and snowmobile advocates urge county to legalize road use; council hearing records public support
Summary
Multiple speakers during privilege of the floor asked county officials to consider ordinances allowing ORVs and snowmobiles on county roads, citing neighboring counties' ordinances, trail maintenance by local clubs and economic benefits. Council members requested follow‑up with petitioners.
At the Nov. 12 meeting several members of local off‑road vehicle and snowmobile clubs urged the council to consider changing county rules to permit ORVs and snowmobiles on county‑maintained roads.
Jake Narkowitz (Machinna Trail Riders Coalition) described maintaining the Buffalo Run snowmobile trail and argued that dozens of other counties allow ORV use on county roads. He asked the county commissioners to draft enabling language and offered the club's assistance in developing a draft ordinance. Deke Thornton (Indiana Snowmobile Association) and other speakers recounted successful rides and local events in nearby counties and said regulated ORV access can support vendors and tourism.
Speakers noted safety and licensing can be addressed through regulations and said similar ordinances have been adopted in Elkhart, Marshall and LaPorte counties. Council members invited petitioners to stay after the meeting to discuss next steps and noted county staff can coordinate on draft language and enforcement considerations.
No formal action was taken during the meeting; the remarks were recorded under privilege of the floor and petitioners may pursue follow‑up with the commissioners or staff.
