Calistoga council rejects EV‑charger bids, directs staff to pause project

The City of Calistoga rejected bids for a proposed Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging installation tied to a community center and pool project, citing a nonresponsive low bidder and a second bid that was approximately three times budget estimates.

Public Works Director Rainer told council staff had sought three grants covering roughly 40% of cost; total project cost was estimated at about $125,000 with grant support of approximately $48,500. Two bids were returned: the apparent low bidder failed to bid all required line items and was therefore nonresponsive; the remaining bid was significantly above expectations.

Rainer presented three options: abandon the project, rebid and re‑advertise, or purchase charging equipment and negotiate construction separately. Council voted to reject the bids and temporarily abandon the project, with several councilmembers saying they preferred to wait for potentially better opportunities (including private provider interest such as Tesla) rather than move forward at the higher cost.

The city manager noted Tesla has expressed independent interest in siting chargers near the fire station but that such projects require separate agreements and PG&E energization could take substantial time. Council also discussed lease or concession approaches as interim options. Staff will return with next steps and options for bringing additional chargers online when favorable conditions and funding align.