The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved the first reading of a proposed ordinance to increase the penalty for improper use of county roads.

The ordinance would put in place tougher discipline for those who are using the county’s dirt roads improperly, that could lead to damage. County Engineer Jacob Thorious explains what he’s seen to motivate him to pursue tougher discipline, ”Kids like to go out and have some fun on our dirt roads after it rains, trying to see how far they can get in their trucks. Unfortunately they’re just trying to be kids but that action causes damage to the roads. It creates ruts that makes it hard for a farmer or somebody who needs to be down that road for their livelihood to get through without bouncing all over the place.”

Thorious explained that this ordinance would make the infraction a criminal issue as opposed to a civil one.  The penalties start at a simple misdemeanor and “frequent flyers” could land in jail for up to 30 days. For the ordinance to go into effect it must first pass three reading by the Washington County Board of Supervisors. The second reading is set for Tuesday, February 5th.