County Executive Lavelle Addresses EV Charging Site Diversity and Nonprofit Compliance Issues

The Ulster County Legislature's Ways & Means Committee meeting on July 10, 2025, highlighted significant discussions regarding the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and operational challenges faced by nonprofit vendors in the county.

One of the key topics was the proposed locations for new EV charging stations. All sites identified for charging infrastructure are on county property, primarily in Kingston, including the Department of Public Works (DPW) Quarry and the Law Enforcement Center. Deputy County Executive Lavelle acknowledged concerns about the lack of diversity in charging locations, particularly for residents in the southern and western parts of the county. While one site is planned for Trudy Resnick Harbor in the southwest, Lavelle assured that the county is open to exploring additional locations to better serve the community's needs. Furthermore, the county plans to offer another round of EV infrastructure grants to municipalities interested in expanding their own charging networks.

Another significant discussion revolved around operational challenges faced by nonprofit vendors in meeting compliance requirements for county contracts. Legislators expressed concern over the difficulties in obtaining timely financial certifications from nonprofits, which has delayed contract approvals. The county's Comptroller noted that many nonprofits operate on different fiscal years, complicating the process of ensuring compliance with the county's accountability measures. This situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current policy, which has been in place for over a year but only recently revealed significant operational hurdles.

Legislators debated the implications of potentially waiving compliance requirements for certain nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accountability to taxpayers. The discussion underscored the need for a balance between supporting essential services provided by nonprofits and ensuring that these organizations meet the necessary standards for funding.

As the meeting concluded, the committee moved forward with several motions related to funding and infrastructure projects, reflecting a commitment to enhancing community services while addressing the operational challenges highlighted during the discussions. The outcomes of this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the county's approach to both EV infrastructure and nonprofit accountability in the coming months.