The town of Silverton will decide the future use of all-terrain vehicles within town limits in an April special election.

On April 25, the town will choose between three citizen petitions:

One would open the entire town to ATV use.A second would ban ATVs in town.The final proposal would allow the Town Board to adjust current rules.The three petitions were submitted earlier this month, and because the Town Board took no action on them, by default they must head to a special election. The election is expected to cost $2,500 to $3,000.

Supporters of allowing ATVs in town say that since 2014 – when Silverton residents voted 243-179 to open some streets in town to ATV use – there’s been a significant uptick in tourism, which has led to increased revenues.

Residents opposed to ATVs argue the vehicles have overrun the town, caused damage to roads, and destroyed the peace and quiet. Others point to the difficulty the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has enforcing current laws.

The decision to place the petitions up for a vote was announced at the Silverton Town Council meeting on Monday night.

jromeo@durangoherald.com