Damaging a county road is now a criminal act in Washington County. At this week’s Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting, the board unanimously approved the third and final reading of the ordinance to increase the penalty for those who damage county roads. Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius explained people go on the dirt roads after it has rained to see how far they can get in their vehicles, and often it is kids trying to have fun, but it results in damaged roads that can make it tough for others to go down when it dries. Thorius said there’s an understanding for the agriculture sector, “We understand we’re in an agricultural community and there’s going to be some mud tracked on the road, but at the same time there are steps that everybody can take to try to minimize that.”

The ordinance states, “Any person who injures, mars, or damages any County road that requires repairs in excess of $250 by the Washington County Secondary Roads Department shall, for every offense, be guilty of a simple misdemeanor.” The offense is punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail or a fine up to $625. And the offender shall be liable for restitution for repair of the road.