The Town has not received any payments from Tesla. Tesla is charging customers for using the super chargers in the Town’s parking garage and powered by the Town’s electricity. Concerned citizens, like Doug Fansler, and Council member Stan Nord are calling on the Town to provide an agreement.
“The actual agreement is missing. All that was included is the staff write up. But from what the staff wrote, the town can charge Tesla. They have chosen not to collect from Tesla and let the local taxpayers flip the bill,” said Nord. “I have spoken about this at several council meetings. The Mayor and Town Manager [Pam Reece] claim that it would cost too much install a meter to know how much each charger is using so they could bill Tesla. No other council member has chosen to join me and demand the Town Manager fix this.”
Stan Nord said it is not a costly remedy to install a meter to bill Tesla.
“Add labor to install and a monthly waking of the meters to record the readings and “whala,” the taxpayers will be able to bill Tesla and recoup some money,” said Nord.
Installing a meter that has a credit card charger would cost more, but the price of the meter could be added to the cost of power it puts out.
“This is all a consequence of re-electing people who won’t put taxpayers first,” said Nord.
However the Communications Director of Normal said those using the parking decks pay to park.
“In the Town’s experience, those using the charging stations typically visit the multitude of businesses in Uptown Normal to shop and dine while their vehicle is charging,” said Cathy Oloffson. “This benefits Uptown Normal retailers and, thanks to the sales and food/beverage taxes collected, taxpayers.”
Tesla and the Town agreed ‘work on a mutually acceptable way for Tesla to reimburse Supercharger users for any parking fees.’
Cities has asked the staff if there is anything in writing that proves the “Town Experience” is the mutually accepted way for Tesla to reimburse the town for electricity costs.
Town of Normal has yet to respond.
Story is developing
