Batavia council adopts EV-charging fees, adds cap and penalty for misuse

Batavia — The Batavia City Council on Sept. 15 approved Ordinance 2025-048 to set rates and enforcement for the city’s new electric-vehicle charging stations and added a cap and penalties to address overstays and non‑EV parking.

The ordinance sets the per-minute and point‑of‑sale rates previously discussed and, by amendment, establishes a $120 maximum charge for an electric vehicle that remains in a charging stall beyond the posted grace/charging period. The council also approved a $100 fine for non‑electric vehicles parked in designated EV charging spaces, consistent with state statutory authority allowing municipalities to set local penalties.

Why it matters: Council members said they wanted to deter station obstruction while avoiding disproportionate penalties for drivers with legitimate emergencies or vehicle failures. Alderman Peeper argued for a cap to prevent “a pretty hefty charge over time” in emergency situations, saying “I think a $50 charge is already unpleasant enough to make people wanna not, just just park there.” Councilors agreed signage, a QR link to ordinance text and app-based disclosures would accompany launch, and they asked staff for a six-month usage report.

What the council said and decided: Council discussion covered enforcement mechanisms, camera/surveillance options, app alerts and towing authority. A council member noted the chargers are located on school property and said coordination is underway with school officials about monitoring. A legal commenter noted state statute prescribes fines for non‑EV vehicles using EV spaces and that municipalities may set local fines up to $100; the council’s amendment used that as a guide for the non‑EV penalty while allowing the $120 overstay cap for charging vehicles.

Formal action: The council moved, seconded and adopted the ordinance as amended. Roll call recorded 12 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Members recorded as voting aye: Pieper; Farenbach; Anderson; Lancey; Beck; Malay; Malone; Wolf; Sulfa; Barron; Lehman; Lohmann (listed as “Lowman” in roll call). The clerk announced “12 yes, no, no, 2 absent.”

Implementation and follow-up: Staff said charging stations at the high school and downtown should be operational by the end of the month after a point‑of‑sale contract is finalized. Councilors asked for a usage summary after six months and agreed to post clear signage and a QR code linking to charging rules and penalties at each station.

Discussion vs. decision: The article separates the council’s discussion (surveillance, signage, app alerts, towing authority) from formal decisions (ordinance adoption, cap and fine). Councilors asked staff to return with recommendations if misuse persists.

Background: Council discussion earlier had considered a per‑minute overage fee to deter parked vehicles after charging finishes and a grace period for charging completion. The adopted approach retains an overage rate with a $120 cap for charging vehicles and a $100 penalty in cases of non‑EV vehicles occupying EV stalls.