Tallmadge City Council sets electric vehicle charging fee at 45 cents per kilowatt

The City Council of Tallmadge, Ohio, convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the implementation of electric vehicle charging stations in the city.

The meeting began with a proposal to establish a fee for the use of two electric vehicle charging stations that are ready for operation but not yet connected to a payment system. The recommended fee is set at 45 cents per kilowatt hour, slightly above the Ohio average of 38 cents and in line with the national average. This fee aims to cover the 15% transaction charge imposed by the subscription payment system, which will be managed by a company called Flow. The council noted that the charging stations were donated by Serpentini and that maintenance responsibilities would remain with Serpentini for the initial years.

Council members discussed the potential volatility of electric rates and whether a flat fee or a fluctuating surcharge would be more appropriate. It was decided to use the first year as a trial period to assess usage and financial viability before making any adjustments. The council plans to revisit the fee structure after the trial year to determine if changes are necessary.

Concerns were raised about the possibility of vehicles occupying charging spots after they have completed charging. Suggestions included implementing a fee for extended parking to encourage turnover. The council acknowledged the need to monitor usage data, which Flow will provide, to inform future decisions regarding parking policies.

The discussion also touched on the locations of the charging stations, confirming that the initial rollout would be limited to three sites: the recreation center, fire station, and Tallmadge Circle parking lot. The council expressed a cautious approach, opting to pilot the program before considering further expansion to other locations, such as the library.

In conclusion, the council agreed to establish a separate revenue line in the financial reports to track income generated from the charging stations. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to supporting electric vehicle infrastructure while remaining mindful of operational and financial implications. The council will reconvene in a year to evaluate the program's performance and make necessary adjustments.