Columbia County committee OKs $10,000 study with Georgia Power to plan EV chargers at county parks

The Columbia County Public Works & Engineering Service Committee on an unanimous voice vote authorized a consulting agreement with Georgia Power to plan electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at county parks.

Public works staff said the agreement is a study phase — a time‑and‑materials engagement not to exceed $10,000 — to map existing electrical service, identify required upgrades, and explore procurement and ownership models. Staff estimated total project capital between $500,000 and $1 million, depending on site needs and the number of chargers, and said federal Y601 carbon‑reduction funds described in the meeting would reimburse about 80% of capital costs with a 20% local match.

Committee members asked whether federal funding would pay for ongoing upkeep. Staff replied that the federal program would not cover ongoing maintenance but that Georgia Power’s make‑ready programs and ownership models are being explored; Georgia Power may offer options where the utility installs and maintains equipment, the county pays the power bill, or other commercial models are used. Staff said the committee will return with implementation details and cost/ownership scenarios before any purchase.

The committee characterized the current vote as authorization to study options, not a purchase decision. Staff said the study should yield a plan within roughly 90 days and that construction and installation could follow over the subsequent six months depending on selected sites and funding agreements.

The committee did not authorize purchases as part of this vote; it approved moving forward with Georgia Power to develop options and a cost estimate for later committee consideration.