BAY MINETTE, Ala. — They are small and slow. But they also are stingy with gas consumption and easier to to exit repeatedly while assessing meter information in densely populated residential areas.

North Baldwin Utilities general manager Jason Padgett said the street-legal golf cart, similar to a unit used by the Bay Minette Police Department, uses $11 for a five-day downtown work schedule, compared to $100 a week for trucks.

“The meter readers suggested it to me, so we got one,”Padgett said. “We are saving time because it is more convenient to use downtown than a truck and it saves on gas bills.

“We are looking at getting another one. It’s a win-win situation for us.”

Padgett said the cart was purchased before gas prices “got out of control.” He cites NBU’s May 2007 fuel bill as an example.

“We have grown and added vehicles in the last year. But our fuel went from $7,000 to $14,000.