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A new way to save gas money

Sesser will allow golf carts on streets for citizens, city workers

BY BECKY MALKOVICH, THE SOUTHERN

Monday, July 14, 2008 11:01 PM CDT

SESSER - Sesser Alderman Bob Woll would be the first to say he is an avid penny-pincher.

Sesser Mayor Ned Mitchell would be the second.

"He's cheap, all right," Mitchell said, with a laugh. "Everybody knows it. He's always looking for a way to save a buck."

So when Woll approached Mitchell with a way to save money for the city and its citizens, Mitchell was all ears.

Woll proposed the city jump on board a golf cart; that is, not only purchase a golf cart for city use, but also allow residents to tool around town in the energy-efficient vehicles.

Woll said his electric golf cart can run 25 miles or so on a 10-hour charge that costs about $1.30. He suggested the city purchase a used cart for use by employees who read water meters.

"Right now, we use about $40 to $50 worth of fuel each month to get all the meters in town read," Mitchell said. "It may not be a tremendous savings, but it all adds up."

A cart would help save fuel and be easier on the meter readers, Woll said.

"There would be no opening or closing of doors, no more trucks idling and wasting gas," Woll said. "They could just hop out, do their job and get right back in."

The golf cart could be used at least nine months out of the year and more if it has a cab for protection from the weather.

Woll also suggested allowing residents to use the vehicles on city streets for in-town travel.

"I'd heard about them doing it in other towns," Woll said. "The only other town around here doing it that I could find is Breese, so I got on the phone with them and they hadn't had any kind of problems with it."

The newly passed ordinance permits the use of golf carts and utility-type vehicles - only those with steering wheels - on city streets, not sidewalks or state highways. The vehicles cannot exceed 25 mph, or even be capable of traveling faster than that, Mitchell said.

Each vehicle must comply with certain safety standards before a $35 annual permit will be issued. Vehicles will be inspected and must have, among other safety features, turn signals, tail and brake lights, horn and a headlight visible for 500 feet.

Drivers must be 21 or older and have a valid driver's license.

"I don't think we'll get hundreds of golf carts on the streets, but I hope it does catch on. I'll use my own for city business, to run to the store or to the Custard Stand. It seems like something that would save somebody a buck, and if that somebody is me, all the better," Woll joked.

beckymalk@gmail.com / 927-5633