Council approves $73,915 for five EV chargers; staff says funding came from Inflation Reduction Act

The Wheeling City Council on Feb. 17 approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to expend $73,915 with Yawn Electric Company Inc. to install two electric vehicle chargers at Center Market and three at the Intermodal Transportation Center.

Council discussion included a question from a member about the funding source. A city staff member responded: "This funding came through the Inflation Reduction Act... It was put on hold when President Trump took office, and has subsequently been released." Staff said the project had been bid a couple of years earlier and contractors honored their prices; the approved work will add five chargers to the city’s existing electric vehicle infrastructure (the record notes four chargers at the Market Street parking structure already in service).

Staff explained the Center Market chargers will require two parking spaces and that revenue generated by chargers at the Intermodal Transportation Center will be recorded in the intermodal fund, while revenue from Center Market chargers will go to the general fund because Center Market is funded from the general fund. The city said it has not experienced problems with previously installed chargers beyond occasional non‑charging parking, and that the chargers will be placed on the lower street market and the second floor of the intermodal facility.

The ordinance was moved, seconded and approved by roll call with all named council members voting in favor.