The idea of allowing golf carts in the city of Mexico is dead for now.

The Mexico City Council was presented with a proposed ordinance to allow golf carts on city streets at its regular meeting on Nov. 13 by City Attorney Dave Streubel. Council members were given three options: Vote to advance the ordinance to the regular agenda, talk about the ordinance and bring back revisions, or let the idea die on the table.

Although the final decision came down to letting it die there was plenty of discussion before a motion to advance the ordinance was made. The measure died when it failed to receive at least three votes. Only Council Members Larry Webber and Steve Haag voted in favor of advancement. Councilman Chris Williams and Mayor Vicki Briggs both gave the thumbs down. Councilman Chris Miller, who has a business interest with golf carts, abstained from the vote.

Webber made the motion to advance the ordinance but also had some issues with the ordinance that was presented. Webber’s two main complaints centered around requiring seat belts for golf carts and forcing people to purchase a license that would require proof of paid personal property taxes.

Miller, who is an expert in the field of golf carts, said it was close to impossible to put seat belts on golf carts because there is nowhere to anchor them. Miller said if seat belts were required users would have to purchase a golf cart that is designed for regular street use. Miller said users would have a hard time finding someone to install seat belts on a cart.

“No golf cart dealer with any brains is ever going to put a seatbelt on a golf cart,” Miller said. “So he can become liable if they’re in a wreck and they fall off because the seatbelt doesn’t stay.”

Webber said there are some pretty expensive riding lawnmowers in town that are not required to pay taxes on as an example as to why golf carts shouldn’t be different. 

“I might be opening another can of worms but people have riding lawnmowers. They cost a lot of money and they’re not on the tax rolls I suspect,” Webber said. “I don’t know why these should be covered on the tax rolls.”

Webber made clear his point isn’t for people to pay more taxes but if the city is going to single out golf carts it may be the one opening the can of worms.

“I’m not opposed to paying taxes,” Webber said. “I think If pay taxes on a golf cart there should be a lot of other things that people should be paying taxes on.”

Williams listened to the debate about seat belts and licenses but when it came time to speak said it was all a moot point to him.

“I’ll do what you want but I’m telling you now I’m not voting for it,” Williams said.

Briggs, who from the beginning has seemed annoyed by the subject, essentially said she wanted the issue to move forward or go away.

“My position on this has not changed,” Briggs said.

With the current makeup of the city council, the issue appears to be done for now. That could change next year. Both Briggs and Miller’s seats are up for re-election. Neither has committed to running again yet.