The Finance Committee meeting held on May 23, 2025, in Ellsworth, Maine, focused primarily on the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) chargers and the transition from free charging to a paid system. The committee confirmed that federal and state grant funding secured last fall remains available for the project, with installation scheduled for early June at City Hall.

The new EV chargers will be pay-for-use, with a proposed rate of 36 cents per kilowatt-hour. This change comes after years of providing free charging, which has cost the city approximately $7,000 to $8,000 annually. The committee noted that donations have only covered a fraction of these costs, prompting the shift to a paid model.

Two of the new charging spots will be reserved for the city’s two electric vehicles, which include a Nissan Ariya used by the code enforcement department and an additional vehicle for the public works administrator. The committee plans to monitor usage closely and may adjust the availability of charging spots based on demand, particularly during the summer months to encourage local shopping.

The committee also discussed the potential for future expansion of EV infrastructure, including the possibility of adding charging stations at Harbor Park. However, the consensus was clear: the city will no longer provide free electricity for EV charging unless directed otherwise by the council. The committee will continue to report on the financial performance of the new charging system as it rolls out.