Town updates golf cart ordinance

Among the agenda items at the town of Elkin’s Aug. 12 meeting was an update to the golf cart ordinance. The board voted in favor of a change to the policy that will now allow travel on roads posted 35 miles per hour or less, except for Johnson Ridge Rd. and north of the Claremont/Oakland intersection.

The town first approved its golf cart ordinance in January of this year, which originally allowed the use of golf carts on roads where the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or below, though golf carts could cross a road with a posted speed of 35 miles per hour.

According to the ordinance, golf carts must have basic equipment supplied by the manufacturer, including a vehicle identification or serial number. Such equipment must include all safety devices as installed by said manufacturer, including rear view mirror and a rear triangle reflector of the same type required by North Carolina law. Golf carts must be equipped with operating headlights, taillights and brake lights. Those wishing to use a golf cart in town must complete a golf cart registration application and submit to the Town of Elkin for approval. Before driving on public roads, the operator of a golf cart must have a valid issued golf cart registration.

The town has 13 registered participants in the program, which includes four from Jonesville.

The board has scheduled a public hearing for its Sept. 9 meeting to hear proposed changes to the 3-hour downtown parking ordinance. The proposed changes are regarding an increase in fines.

Also approved at the meeting was an allocation from the fund balance in the amount of $18,820 for replacing the HVAC unit at the Recreation Center. The Board also approved an amendment to the water contract with the town of Ronda, increasing the maximum monthly water amount from 2 million gallons to 3 million gallons.

During the Aug. 12 meeting, two new Elkin Police officers were sworn in and several others who are currently in training to become officers were welcomed as well.