JCE Co-op

The regular board meeting covered several key areas. Discussions included a safety moment focusing on home inspection tips and emergency exit plans. The board approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda items, which included the previous board meeting minutes and expense summary. A safety update was presented, detailing risk mitigation actions and survey results. Governance topics involved reviewing and approving changes to several Board Policies: Policy 109.1 regarding the delegation of authority to the President and CEO for bank lending signatories, Policy 119 on Nepotism to align with administration policy, and Policy 124, for which no changes were deemed necessary. The CEO reported that the Cost of Service (COS) study for electric, natural gas, and broadband units was completed, with results to be reviewed later. The CFO provided the August financial operating report, noting year-to-date revenue of approximately $46.3 million and margins of approximately $2.2 million, and the board moved to file this report with the auditor. Operations updates included progress on gas meter changes, electric line rebuilding, and fiber buildout. The IT report covered an update on the AI Administrative Policy and fiber speed optimization. Member Services updated the board on new software implementation. External Affairs provided information on potential legislative changes. The board unanimously approved the CFC Certificate of Resolution and Incumbency for broadband grant awards and authorized the amendment of the 401(k) Pension Plan. Updates were received from AIEC, DPC, APGA, and PPI. The board discussed an open board meeting scheduled for October 30, 2024.

The regular board meeting included a safety moment emphasizing the reading of safety manuals before operating equipment. Key discussions involved receiving the 2022 audit results, which yielded a clean, unmodified opinion. The CEO reported on proposed Senate Bill 319 and provided a reminder regarding an upcoming rate increase. The CFO presented the February financial operating report, noting year-to-date revenue and expense figures relative to the budget, and the board moved to file the report with the auditor. Operations updates covered recent storms and preparations, the Burns Road rebuild project, and plans for a town hall meeting regarding fiber buildout. Member Services discussed a forthcoming brand refresh survey. The board finalized dates for the 2024 Strategic Planning sessions and discussed matters in executive session, including sharing JCE's strategic objectives at the AIEC board meeting and updates on natural gas regulations.

The regular board meeting covered several key areas. A safety moment focused on recreational safety tips. Discussions included the need for additional working capital and a mortgage extension as the cooperative continues to grow. The financial report indicated year-to-date revenue of approximately $40.2 million against $31.7 million in expenses, resulting in margins of approximately $2.2 million; the board moved to file this report with the auditor. Operational updates included a cybersecurity threat briefing and an update on the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system upgrade, which will begin with automated handheld meter readers. External affairs noted a meeting and tour with Congressman Darrin LaHood. Board actions included unanimously approving the Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) Power Load Forecast, approving the CFC Certificate of Resolution and Incumbency, and selecting delegates for the NRECA Region 5&6 Meeting and the RESCO Annual Meeting. Updates were shared from the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC), Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC), American Public Gas Association (APGA), and Prairie Power Incorporated (PPI) board meetings. The meeting concluded with an executive session, from which no action resulted.

The meeting commenced with welcomes, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the introduction of the Board of Directors, management, and various guests including representatives from Prairie Power and CFC. Key agenda items included the approval of the 2023 annual meeting minutes, the election of directors for Districts 5, 7, 8, and 10, and the consideration and approval of five proposed bylaw amendments. The bylaw amendments covered requirements for member courtesy, consistency with Illinois law regarding easements, efficiency in service installation, committee appointments, and the inclusion of telecommunication/broadband services in governing articles. The Chairman provided remarks emphasizing the Co-op's 85-year history, growth across electricity, natural gas, and fiber internet divisions, and the importance of growth for stabilizing rates and supporting the community's infrastructure and economy. A presentation from the wholesale power provider, Prairie Power, was also conducted.

The meeting included a welcome to East Deuke, approval of the agenda, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The board of directors were introduced. There was a discussion about director elections and a proposed bylaw change to distinguish between class A and class B members. The importance of rural roots and the co-op's value was emphasized, along with the need for modern conveniences in rural living. Fiber internet was highlighted as a key service for economic growth. A guest speaker from Dairland Power discussed stabilizing wholesale rates and sustainability efforts.