ATV fee discount is being mulled

LOWVILLE — Lewis County officials are considering offering a discount to all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts who buy multiple trail permits this year.

"My hope is that we gain increased sales from it," said Legislator Richard C. Lucas, R-Barnes Corners, chairman of the legislative Economic Development Committee.

The county from May through October operated its inaugural permit-based ATV system, contracting with the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce to sell permits at its Web site, its South State Street office and at several businesses.

Permits cost $40 for each ATV owned by a member of a club in the Tug Hill Adirondack ATV Association and $80 for each machine owned by a non-member.

While those rates will stay the same for each household's first permitted ATV, the county is proposing to charge only $20 for each additional ATV owned by a member of the same household, Mr. Lucas said.

"Some people have as many as five or six machines," he said.

Legislators will consider the tentative fee change following a public hearing on the matter at 5 p.m. March 2.

Mr. Lucas said the proposed multi-machine discount stems from discussions among his committee and officials from the chamber and the Tug Hill Adirondack ATV Association.

Other possible changes to the fee schedule were brought up but won't be implemented this year, he said.

"We'll get through another year and then re-evaluate it at that time," Mr. Lucas said.

Lewis County in 2009 sold 2,016 permits, resulting in more than $81,000 in revenue to the county and chamber.