Board adopts Resolution 2026‑1 to raise golf‑cart registration fee to $40, effective April 1

The Board of Public Works and Safety adopted Resolution 2026‑1 on Jan. 20 to increase golf‑cart registration fees from the current $25 (set in 2009) to $40.

Chief Munt explained staff tracked permit sales and recent fee levels in other Indiana cities and proposed the $15 increase to offset rising administrative and enforcement costs. He told the board that several Indiana cities charge an average of about $50 per year and that the proposed increase was intended to remain modest compared with peers. Staff proposed an effective date of April 1 to allow owners seeking renewal between now and March 31 to pay the existing $25 rate and avoid the increase until 2027.

The board approved the resolution by voice vote and directed staff to return with ordinance updates to the fine structure so that enforcement would be meaningful if owners do not register. Under current ordinance language, the first violation carries a $25 city‑ordinance fine; staff said they will harmonize penalties with the new fee structure.

What’s next: staff will update ordinance language on fines and enforcement and implement the April 1 effective date for the fee increase.