Select Board authorizes invitation to bid for two EV Level‑2 chargers at town office parking

The Tamworth Select Board on June 24 voted to issue an invitation to bid (ITB) for two Level‑2 electric‑vehicle (EV) chargers intended for the town-office/TCNA parking area. The chargers would occupy two parking spaces and the technical specification in the ITB calls for standard Level‑2 chargers (approximately 25 miles of range per hour of charging) suitable for visitors who plan to park and linger.

Administrative staff said conduit already installed by the Tamworth Community Nurse Association (TCNA) would reduce trenching costs and that bidders should include equipment, installation, commissioning and annual maintenance in their price proposals. Select Board members discussed cost-recovery and pricing: the town would set user rates to cover electricity and maintenance and to accrue a small surplus for future expansion. Staff said the Tamworth Foundation had previously indicated interest in funding up to 20% of a prior proposal and would accept a new funding request in September.

The board adopted the ITB schedule as presented, with questions due per the ITB timeline and bids to be opened in July. The Select Board motion to issue the ITB passed on a roll‑call vote. Staff will work with the town administrator and a vendor (PrimeX was mentioned as a source of technical advice) to clarify liability, maintenance contracts and insurance details before installation. The project team will return with final vendor selection and funding arrangements for a later board decision.