County treasurer asks board to clarify ATV ordinance after state changes; local permit fee and 35 mph limit cause confusion

Treasurer Tina Bertrand briefed the board July 22 on Woodbury County’s ATV ordinance and recommended the board consider updates to align local rules with recent state DNR and code changes.

Bertrand said the county historically issued a local ATV permit (a $25 county sticker) but that state statutory language governing county authority to charge a fee did not pass last session and is expected to return to the legislature. "Our ordinance does not specifically address the county's ability to actually charge or have a county permit with a fee," Bertrand said, and she recommended clarifying the ordinance rather than abruptly stopping the county’s administrative practice.

Bertrand also described public confusion about the 35-mph guidance — the DNR materials advise to not exceed 35 mph on public roads — and the difference between state, city and county roads for ATV operation. She said the county ordinance has historically been applied to county roads only and advised clarifying the rules so the public understands where a county permit applies and what speed limits are enforceable.

Supervisor comments indicated support for keeping a county registration mechanism to offset maintenance costs on county roads where ATVs increase wear. One supervisor also signaled intent to discuss the statute with state legislators.

What’s next: Treasurer Bertrand asked for board direction to consider ordinance changes and alignment with state code; no formal ordinance change vote occurred on July 22. The county’s registration process and any sticker procurement timelines will be contingent on further board direction and state statutory developments.

Sources: Tina Bertrand, Woodbury County Treasurer; public comments and board discussion.