The Culver Town Council approved on third reading an ordinance to increase golf cart registration rates from $40 annually to $100 annually beginning in 2024. 

Without any additional discussion, the ordinance passed with three yes votes, Bill Cleavenger, Bill Githens, and Rich West.   Bill Hamm abstained. Sally Ricciardi was absent from the meeting.   

During the public comment portion of the meeting, the owner of Ringer’s Golf Carts in Culver, Rod Ringer, gave his thoughts on the council’s decision.  He told them, “I had a big, long speech but I think it is just falling on deaf ears.”    

He went on to say his business registered 40 golf carts last year and he and his wife both spoke during the public hearing expressing their concern about a large increase in registration fees and the impact on their small business in Culver.  He said the new fees will cost them $4,000 next year for their permits.

Ringer said their business is going to have to make changes next year due to the increase.  He said they have donated and donated and donated to the community, the town, the parks department, the police department, and to Town Councilman Bill Githens for the parade. 

Ringer said, “You just pushed this through. Sally was the only one in there against this.  Everybody else voted for the increase on these permits.  I understand a little bit of a permit increase.  Two years ago, it was a 50% increase.”   

Ringer went on to say, “I don’t think you guys take into consideration at all about our golf cart business. I just want to thank you again for sticking the knife in our back a little deeper.” 

Bill Githens replied that he paid for the golf cart when he used it in the parade.