Golf Cart Ordinance Fails by 5-3 Vote in LG
La Grange City Council voted down a proposed golf cart ordinance by a vote of 5-3 Monday night, Oct. 25.
The ordinance would have regulated the use of golf carts on City streets and created a registration and inspection program. Councilman Dusty Littrell led the effort to establish the ordinance. Councilmen Quenten Gonzalez and Chris Jernigan supported the ordinance as well. The rest of the Council voted against it.
“I’ve talked to city managers, council members, police chiefs and officers from a number of towns,” Littrell said. “The consensus I got from every single one of them was that when they put it in place, whether they were for it or against it, once they put it in place is wasn’t a big deal. They don’t have issues. Not one single town I’ve spoken to has reported an accident.”
Police Chief David Gilbreath was not present for Monday’s meeting, but he has opposed the golf cart ordinance over safety concerns since Littrell first brought up the idea at the Sept. 13 meeting.
The ordinance presented at the meeting this Monday included a $100 fee for registering golf carts with the City. The registration would be good for two years.
“I think adding the extra fee provides funds for the city, pays for decals and for manpower for our police department to help regulate this,” Gonzalez said.
Littrell said the officials he spoke with in other towns said police would likely encounter some violations when golf carts are first allowed.
“To start out with, you may have a few, but its not an ongoing issue,” Littrell said.
Gonzalez said the golf cart ordinance could improve quality of life for residents.
“I kind of disagree with that,” said Councilwoman Kathy Weishuhn. “I feel it would improve the quality of life for residents who can afford to buy a golf cart and pay the $100 fee. It’s not going to improve the quality of life for people for anybody who can’t.”
“If I drive my golf cart up here for a city council meeting, how did I hurt you in any form or fashion?” Littrell asked. “It doesn’t affect you, so why can’t I do it? If it doesn’t affect you negatively, then what’s the problem.”
Littrell said the City currently allows people to drive tractors and lawn mowers on streets.
“We have so many things that we do allow,” Gonzalez said. “Why is golf carts the one thing that we don’t agree on allowing?”
“We don’t see hundreds of people riding lawn mowers to city council,” said Councilwoman Bonnie Busch. “If we allow the golf cart ordinance, there could be hundreds. I guess my biggest thing is safety. I’m still concerned about safety. Whether you’re 16, 20, 30 or 40, I’m concerned it’s you versus a vehicle.”
Littrell pointed to accident statistics in cities that allow golf carts.
“Smithville has 250 golf carts and not one single accident has been reported since 2017,” Littrell said. “That means something. Not one single accident. We’re worried about something that’s not an issue.”
Only licensed drivers would have been allowed to operate carts under the proposed ordinance. The ordinance would have prohibited golf carts on state and federal highways such as US 77 and SH 71 Business. Nor would golf carts be allowed on streets with a speed limit over 35 miles per hour.
“You can cross 71 Business, you just can’t drive down it,” Littrell said. “Just like I see third graders on their bicycles with no supervision. Just like I see people on motorized scooters do, or people on lawn mowers. But we’re going to say ‘You can’t do it on a golf cart.’”
“We allow motorcycles, mopeds, all kinds of other vehicles on the road,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t see a problem with golf carts.
“It’s not forcing anyone to buy one, it’s not forcing anyone to drive one,” Gonzalez added. “If you truly don’t believe they’re safe, don’t drive one.”
Mayor Jan Dockery raised a concern about the amount of time it would take police officers to enforce the golf cart ordinance.
“They’re not going to have time to have an officer out there watching,” Dockery said.
“An officer doesn’t watch everyone speeding down Horton St. also,” Gonzalez said.
Littrell asked whether La Grange could begin allowing golf carts on a trial basis. City Manager Shawn Raborn said that would not be possible.
Council did not reach a consensus during the discussion. Littrell made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Gonzalez seconded it.
It failed by a vote of 5-3.