Marshfield Approves Fast EV Charging Stations for Town Hall
Select Board votes to install three Level 3 chargers, largely funded by utility incentives
MARSHFIELD - December 30 - Marshfield's Select Board voted 2-1 Monday night to approve the installation of three Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations in the Town Hall parking lot, aiming to meet growing demand for fast charging options in the community.
The project, estimated to cost $458,908, will be largely funded through utility incentives, leaving the town responsible for only $2,847 in upfront costs.
Town Administrator Michael Maresco explained the financial breakdown: "We're getting a utility infrastructure incentive for $216,061. We're getting a utility EVSE equipment incentive for another $240,000."
The charging stations will be installed on the far side of the parking lot, with six dedicated spots for electric vehicles.
Select Board Chair Lynne Fidler emphasized the project's minimal cost to the town. "I just find it really awesome that we don't have to pay all of this upfront cost and we're down to five thousand some more dollars a year," she said.
The board set an initial rate of 30 cents per kilowatt-hour for users, with plans to revisit pricing in six months based on usage data.
Michael Duffy, president of Complete Energy Services, the company overseeing the installation, explained the charging process: "You're charging based on a kwh drawn from that charging station. Whatever energy is used, the customer expects to pay x amount per kwh to charge their car."
The project includes a five-year warranty and software plan, with a one-year service plan. After the first year, the town will have the option to continue a $3,600 annual maintenance plan.
Select Board member Eric Kelley expressed concerns about the ongoing maintenance costs and potential return on investment. "The one thing I guess I'm wary of is getting a return," Kelley said. "I don't know if we're going to get a return to justify this expense."
Maresco assured the board that Level 3 chargers are in high demand, stating, "Only places that have Level 3s are like on the Mass Pike."
The charging stations are expected to be operational by the end of 2025, with the town having full control over pricing and access through management software.
In other business, the board:
- Appointed Alexandra Forbes as the permanent animal inspector and animal control officer.
- Approved the 15th annual St. Patrick's Day 5K race for March 15, 2025, benefiting the Marshfield Education Foundation.
- Accepted several donations for veteran services, the Council on Aging, animal control, and the Ventress Library.
The meeting also touched on the recent Special Town Meeting, where residents voted on the state's MBTA Communities law. Select Board member Stephen Darcy addressed concerns about the meeting's conduct.
"A lot of the behavior the first night of town meeting I found to be an absolute embarrassment for our town," Darcy said. He criticized the "over-the-top negativity and obnoxious behavior" displayed by some attendees.
Darcy also mentioned the town's loss of grant eligibility due to non-compliance with the MBTA Communities law, stating, "We've already received two letters from the state for grants that we've lost."
The board reminded residents of upcoming dates for the annual and special town meetings. The annual town meeting warrant opens on Jan. 6, 2025, and closes on Jan. 27, 2025. The special town meeting warrant opens on Feb. 18, 2025, and closes on Feb. 28, 2025.
The annual town meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2025.
As the meeting concluded, Chair Fidler wished everyone a "safe, safe and happy new year for 2025."