Residents and SRD press county on ATV ordinance, enforcement and a Crooked River Ranch straw poll

Speakers at public comment on Oct. 1 pressed Jefferson County officials for clarity on an ATV ordinance that would permit ATVs on certain county roads and increase enforcement on Crooked River Ranch.

Lynn Breeden, chair of the Crooked River Ranch Special Road District (SRD), thanked the county for road repairs and described the SRD’s plan to send a mailed straw poll to lot owners, with results to be counted Nov. 13. Breeden asked whether the county would move forward with an ordinance before the SRD reaches a decision; commissioners said they preferred to hear SRD feedback first but would not necessarily delay all action. Commissioners and sheriff’s staff explained the ordinance’s enforcement goals: more law‑enforcement presence and the ability to cite dangerous riding behavior. The sheriff’s office said the grant‑funded ATV enforcement position is a new full‑time equivalent (FTE), not a reassignment, and will patrol areas where ATVs are legally allowed.

Commissioners discussed safeguards and reversibility: if ATV use creates excessive road damage or unsafe conditions, the ordinance could be rescinded by subsequent action (county counsel noted rescission requires a subsequent ordinance, typically a two‑week process). SRD leaders requested assurances in writing about increased enforcement, cost reimbursement for SRD expenses and clarified that an SRD‑specific ordinance would be untested territory. The SRD chair said the board intends to run its straw poll and will report results in mid‑November.

The meeting left decisions open pending SRD feedback and the SRD’s straw‑poll results.