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November 21, 2023

News

Board Spotlight: Bell City Superintendent Talks Agriculture, FFA

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of SEMO Electric Cooperative, Inc., (hereinafter referred to as “Cooperative”) was held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the offices of the Cooperative in Sikeston, Missouri. The meeting was called to order at 1:17 p.m. by President Richard Faulkner. The following Directors were present: Faulkner, Dennis Fowler, James Deneke, Carl Eftink, John Bledsoe, Myron Hawes, Tim Coppage, Field LaPlant, Carla Moore, Von Priggel, and Keith Haynes. Directors absent: Dicky Hanor. Also present were Sean Vanslyke, CEO/General Manager; Megan McCord, Attorney for the Cooperative; and staff members Angie Byford, Rhonda Whybark, Ron Montgomery, Jared Kelley, Amanda Burnett, Loyd Rice, Chris Freed, and Brad Milam. A prayer of invocation was offered by Rice. The chair asked for approval of the agenda. On motion made, seconded and passed, the agenda was approved.

The Board considered its consent agenda consisting of: the minutes of the regular meeting of October 16, 2023, new membership applications, membership cancellations, initial review of Policy 308 - Use of Computer, Software and Related Equipment, and initial review of Policy 309 - Accident Investigations. On motion made, seconded and passed, the actions required for each were approved by consent. Montgomery presented the monthly safety report. On motion made, second and passed, the Board resolved to accept the monthly safety report.

Under old business the Board reviewed its schedule of meetings and confirmed registrations for attendance, affirmed Policy 305 - Check Signatures - as presented, and affirmed Policy 307- Sale or Transfer of Assets - was affirmed as presented.

Under new business the Board reviewed and discussed district update, Freed presented bids received for dock crew electric construction, Burnett reviewed the draft 2024 Operating and Capital Budget with the Board, and Vanslyke presented recommended electric rates for 2024. After discussion, on motion made, seconded, and passed, the Board approved the 2024 rates as recommended. For residential accounts, the Daily Fixed Charge remains unchanged. The kilowatt-hour (kWh) cost will rise from $0.09326 to $0.09699. For a household consuming 1,200 kWh monthly, this results in a $4.47 increase per month. For barns, shops, grain bins, wells, irrigation, and commercial accounts, the Daily Fixed Charge and demand charges remain unchanged. There will be a 4% increase per kWh. Visit gosemo.com/rates for further details. New rates are effective as of January 1, 2024. Vanslyke reviewed the 2024 Board meeting dates. After discussion, on motion made, seconded, and passed, the Board approved the 2024 Board meeting dates as presented. Vanslyke presented information on AMECPAC. After discussion, on motion made, seconded and passed, the Board resolved to make a $2,500 corporate contribution to AMECPAC.

Rice reported on 2024 GoSEMO fiber TV rates, which will increase as of January 1, 2024, due to increasing national and local broadcast fees. Burnett reviewed the financial summary for the month of October 2023 with revenue and expense analysis and budget comparisons. Compared to budget, year-to-date electric operating revenues are up 0.08%, operating expenses are up 5.47%, and power costs are up 3.49%. On motion made, seconded, and passed, the financial report was accepted.

Eftink reported that no M&A meeting has occurred since the last board meeting, Haynes reported on business from the AMEC meeting. Department leaders submitted written reports and answered questions from the Board. The Board entered into Executive Session to discuss legal and personnel matters. There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion made, seconded and passed, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

Matt Asher, superintendent of Bell City Schools, talks about the district’s new agriculture-focused programs and its reengagement with FFA. Bell City last offered Ag Education and FFA in 1970. The programs were dropped due to funding issues. Recently, the district inducted 45 students into its new FFA Chapter.
Representatives from the Bell City School District gathered for a photo ahead of the SEMO Electric board meeting. In the front row, from left to right, are Mrs. Amy Stubenrauch, students Kamryn Stubenrauch and Madilyn Asher, along with Ag and FFA instructor Sara Green. In the back row, from left to right, Mr. Kevin Stubenrauch, Superintendent Matt Asher, and Board Member Mark Anderson. As winners of SEMO Electric Cooperative’s Youth Tour Contest, Kamryn and Madilyn delivered a presentation about their participation in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. This opportunity, sponsored by electric cooperatives nationwide, allowed around 1,900 students to engage with federal legislators and explore the capital's monuments, museums, and rich history.
Becky Ivester (left) introduces new co-worker Rhonda Whybark.
President Rick Faulkner (right) presents Vice President John Bledsoe with a certificate for completing director training courses, in recognition of his board leadership training achievement.