BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council tonight will consider updating the city’s consolidated fee schedule to set electric vehicle charging station rates.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the City & County Government Center at 520 Third St.
Update fees
“This resolution will update the Consolidated Fee Schedule to set electric vehicle charging station rates. Electric vehicle charging station rates are proposed to be $1 per hour for the first three hours, $2 per hour for any time over three hours, and fee exempt for use by the City of Brookings and Bookings County,” according to an attachment to the agenda, available on the city’s website.
The consolidated fee schedule was adopted by City Council as part of the 2020 budget process, but it’s revisited and updated from time to time “to ensure City fees are up-to-date and align with current markets,” according to a memo by Jacob Meshke, assistant city manager.
The City of Brookings has entered into a three-year lease with ChargePoint for an electric vehicle charging station at an annual rate of $2,750. The City of Brookings and Brookings County will split the lease amount.
Obtaining an electric vehicle charging station at the City and County Government Center is a shared goal for the City of Brookings and Brookings County.
The charging unit has two ports and can charge two vehicles at once, according to Meshke’s memo.
“Under the lease agreement, ChargePoint is responsible for the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of the electric charging unit. A lease arrangement was chosen because electric vehicle charging unit technology is rapidly changing and the units become outdated relatively quickly. Additionally, the City will receive a $3,000 rebate from Missouri River Energy Services for participating in the lease program, which can be used toward the site preparation expenses and first year of the lease,” according to Meshke’s memo.
It’s been recommended that the city charge a fee for electric vehicle charging, to set the precedent this is a fee-based service and deter individuals from taking advantage of the City’s electricity.
“The City of Vermillion charges $1.70 per hour for electric vehicle charging, which is the same rate ChargePoint charges at their headquarters,” according to Meshke’s memo.
ChargePoint says the unit will charge most electric vehicles in four hours or less. That means an electric car owner could fully charge their electric vehicle for $5.
“By comparison, it would cost an electric car owner $6.80 to fully charge their electric vehicle in Vermillion. Further, it is proposed the City of Brookings and Brookings County would be exempt from fees if either entity was to obtain an electric or hybrid vehicle in the future for operational use,” Meshke’s memo says.
“Installing an electric vehicle charging station accomplishes an initiative of the Sustainability Council and furthers the City’s vision of embracing sustainability.”
About $100 in annual revenue is anticipated from the electric vehicle charging station.
Other topics
The council will take action to change its meeting schedule for June.
There is also a public hearing to consider the annual malt beverage alcohol license renewals, as well as first readings to annex and rezone property in the Timberline Addition and a part of Section 34, Township 110 North.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
