Yavapai County Board Approves Budget for OHV Law Enforcement
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors recently approved a budget totaling $796,570, which includes a two-year state grant of $557,370. This funding is designated for a full-time lieutenant position within the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office’s OHV Law Enforcement division, as discussed in their meeting on June 4th.
YCSO Chief Deputy Jeff Newnum noted that this grant essentially provides the equivalent of a full-time agent, equipped for enforcement tasks.
The budget breakdown consists of a county contribution of $239,200 for staff time, along with $108,100 earmarked for equipment such as 12 trail cameras, and an additional $10,000 allocated for educational materials.
District 4 Supervisor Chris Kunyo expressed concerns about the situation, stating, “People are complaining, and it’s chaotic out there. Many individuals own these vehicles. I’m not sure how we can hold renters accountable for the actions their tenants are taking. Sedona is really facing challenges with this.”
A report from the Sedona Red Rock News in November 2023 indicated that suspected OHV damage around Sedona totaled 78.7 acres, which is only 0.004% of the Coconino National Forest. However, there are no official estimates detailing the extent of forest damage within the Sedona and Red Rock Ranger districts.
Additionally, Kunyu mentioned that the northern part of District 4, extending from Prescott to Seligman, is also experiencing difficulties.
Newnum outlined that the new agent assigned will support the YCSO Forest Patrol Squad, assisting with various rescue operations, including technical rope rescue, swift water rescue, and helicopter operations, along with ground and aerial search teams.
District 3 manager Nikki Check emphasized the importance of addressing OHV impacts, remarking, “This is a significant step forward. We aim to find a permanent solution to effectively tackle this issue as a county.”
Newnum added that YCSO is actively seeking additional resources for OHV enforcement.
The board had earlier approved the grant application submission on April 16th.
Rhodes mentioned that this outcome results from about three years of collaboration with his staff in the Arizona Legislature, aimed at managing OHV issues both statewide and within Yavapai County, where many residents are affected.
Rhodes noted that the Covid-19 pandemic coincided with a dramatic increase in licensed OHVs in Arizona, jumping from 100,000 to 250,000, which has, in turn, raised enforcement costs as these vehicles returned to the county. However, he did not specify the enforcement costs for YCSO or other rural regions.
Rhodes explained that grant awards come from the Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Research Committee, which he is part of, and that he successfully advocated for funds to ensure police resources from OHV registration fees.
“Counties have developed their unique programs to address this issue,” said Rhodes. “The structure I’ve established includes a certified agent designated specifically as the OHV coordinator.”
He also mentioned that a helicopter recently acquired by YCSO could play a role in OHV enforcement efforts.
“The Arizona State Parks Commission has committed to supporting this funding indefinitely for the county, but approval must occur at regular intervals,” Rhodes stated. “We have enacted a law in Arizona to fund the county specifically for this enforcement effort, and we’ll see how it unfolds.”
As of now, YCSO has not responded to inquiries regarding OHV enforcement and jurisdiction specifics.
