Select Board deadlocks on preferred EV charger vendor; declines authorization to seek foundation funding

Tamworth's Energy Committee presented three bids for two electric vehicle (EV) charging ports at the Select Board meeting on Aug. 26 and recommended Guardian Energy Management Solutions as the preferred vendor. The Energy Committee said Guardian is a local, turnkey vendor with proven uptime at nearby sites and longer charging cords that improve vehicle compatibility.

Committee members highlighted that bids ranged from about $14,300 to $35,600 and that operational costs for electricity, maintenance and network fees would be recovered from users once the chargers are operating. Guardian's proposal favored lower-powered, destination-style chargers intended for two- to four-hour stays—matching the committee's view of likely town usage near the library and other town destinations.

The committee asked the board both to select a preferred vendor and to authorize the committee to seek grant funding from the Tamworth Foundation (the foundation's application deadline was noted as Sept. 1). The Select Board held two motions: one to select Guardian as the installer and a second to authorize the Energy Committee to seek funding from the Tamworth Foundation. The motion to select Guardian failed on a tied vote; the subsequent motion to authorize pursuit of private funding likewise failed by recorded roll call (the board member roll calls showed more than one 'no' and the motions did not carry). Board members said they would revisit the vendor selection at a future meeting when attendance was fuller.

The Energy Committee said it intends to pursue funding but must meet the foundation's timeline; committee members asked the board to allow private fundraising while the committee continues work. The board requested the committee return at the next meeting with additional information and recommended handling selection when all members are present.