Jackson County REMC

The board reviewed financial reports, department staff reports, and monthly safety reports, noting zero OSHA reportable injuries in the previous month. Key business actions included the approval of December bad debt write-offs, the Federated Subscriber's Agreement and Power of Attorney, and special equipment capitalization. Several policies were reviewed and approved, including the website privacy policy and fiber-related terms and acceptable use policies. The board also addressed the Hoosier Energy director election, approved 2026 economic development organization contributions, and reached a consensus to continue development of the Change for Community Fund program. Additionally, various annual reports were reviewed, and administrative items such as the director handbook, orientation outline, and board meeting schedule were presented.

The document outlines the reasons members should attend the annual meeting, emphasizing that it is fun, free, and informative. Key highlights include entertainment such as live music and magic shows, complimentary ice cream, the distribution of an annual meeting gift (a heavy-duty ice cream scoop), and a drawing for various prizes, including a $250 bill credit, noting attendance is required to win. Discussions covered providing feedback to cooperative staff and the board of directors, and information dissemination regarding energy efficiency, LED lighting, and the fiber-optic broadband project. The meeting also included the board of directors election, aligning with the cooperative principle of democratic member control.

This document details the Jackson Connect fiber-optic broadband project, leveraging a Smart Grid loan to enhance electric service reliability and provide world-class broadband speeds to its members. Key initiatives include improving communication with distribution automation devices for real-time monitoring and faster outage restoration, and integrating advanced metering infrastructure for enhanced data collection. The project is progressing ahead of its original schedule, with over 1000 customers already connected.

Key discussions during the regular board meeting included the approval of financial reports and department/staff reports, noting zero OSHA reportable injuries or illnesses for the previous month. The board discussed reports from Indiana Electric Cooperatives, including the approval of the audit report and discussions regarding evaluations for the new CEO. New business involved approving recommendations from the Nomination Committee and reviewing/approving several policies (Technology, Data Breach, Succession Plan for CEO). Additionally, the board approved adding new Adtran equipment to the RF10 Fiber-Optic Residential Service tariff and approved a change to the Vacation Rate amendment from 3 to 6 months. A new voting delegate for the Hoosier Energy meeting was approved, and the date for the Wage and Compensation Committee Meeting was set. Options for offering a bundle pricing for Fiber/Telephone services were discussed, and the date for the May meeting was moved from May 16th to May 13th.

The board conducted a comprehensive review of financial, department, and staff reports, alongside a monthly safety analysis and external reports from Hoosier Energy and the Indiana Electric Cooperative. New business agenda items included the approval of January bad debt write-offs, the adoption of several corporate policies regarding membership fees, collections, deposits, remote disconnect, political engagement, and debt and equity management. Additionally, the board reviewed the 2026 budgets for electric and fiber operations, approved special equipment capitalization, and authorized updates to the post-retirement medical fund. Presentations were also delivered regarding the ADTRAN project, fiber network, and various internal expense and loss reports.