By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
On May 20, the Great Bend City Council voted 4-to-1 in favor of adopting an ordinance to legalize golf carts on certain streets. With a few councilmembers absent, the ordinance failed because a minimum of five votes are needed to pass a new ordinance.
With seven members present Monday night, the council revisited the topic that would require drivers to have a valid driver’s license, registration, lighting, turn signals and insurance.
Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark said his officers would be up to enforcing the ordinance, an extra process handled by his department.
"My concern is the driver's license provision," said Haulmark. "It's a driver's license with an operator over 16 years of age. It's not a farm license or permit. As long as people follow the ordinance, we'll be fine. Those that don't, we can address."
The ordinance would keep golf carts off federal or state highways, McKinley Street, Broadway Avenue or any street with a speed limit in excess of 30 miles per hour.
Councilmember Cory Urban was against adding another task to law enforcement.
"One person has called more for the golf carts," said Urban. "When we did the UTV, we had people presenting to us. I've had multiple people call me against it. They don't like the idea. I drive through Hoisington everyday...I've almost hit teenagers driving crazy up there."
The council voted 6-1 to deny making golf carts legal on city streets.
In January 2020, the city began distributing plates and tags for the legal use of utility task vehicles (UTV) and side-by-sides. There have been very few citizens to go through the permit process since the UTV ordinance passed. The council assumed the reason behind the minimal response was because drivers would have to start paying property tax on the vehicle.