2020 May Decatur County REMC Indiana Connection

co-op news 2020 Annual Meeting CONTACT US Office: 812-663-3391 / 800-844-7362 WEBSITE www.dcremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday-Friday STREET ADDRESS 1430 W. Main St. Greensburg, IN 47240 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 46, Greensburg, IN 47240 OUTAGE REPORTING To report a power outage, please call 812663-3391 or 800-844-7362. Outages can also be reported via our SmartHub app.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve AmRhein, Chairman Jeff Lawrence, Vice Chairman Michael Brelage, Secretary/Treasurer Jason Barnhorst Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Suzanne Parmer Carl Reideman Brian Scheidler

ELECTION DETAILS Election packets will arrive in the mail on or around May 12.

Members can vote using the following methods:

early by mail Return your paper ballot prior to June 12.

EARLY using SmartHub Vote through your online SmartHub web account (link is compatible with web-based version, not tablet or mobile friendly).

EARLY USING secure online link Use unique login credentials provided in election packet (link is tablet and mobile friendly).

Onsite at annual meeting on June 12 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Can’t make the annual meeting? No worries! Your voice still matters. Vote early and be heard! Check your election packet for full voting details. Members may only vote once per membership, one member, one vote.

Dale Wernke CURRENT RATE Single-phase flat rate: $.108880

See cover wrap for 2019 Annual Report Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dcremc

Decatur County REMC offices will be closed Monday, May 25, in obervance of Memorial Day.

MAY 2020

5

Meet your board candidates Matthew Boersma DISTRICT 3

Matthew Boersma; his wife, Dr. Nicole Boersma; and their children reside on Mill Creek Road in Greensburg. He holds undergraduate degrees in religion and computer science from Manchester University and a master’s degree in philosophy. He is a PhD candidate, completing his dissertation in Hebrew Bible and early interpretation. Boersma is an adjunct professor in Biblical studies. He also serves as the technology director for a non-profit organization, Who’s Yer Gamers, which is committed to providing free/low cost tabletop gaming opportunities in Indiana.

Boersma teaches Taekwondo at the Decatur County Family YMCA and trains with Grandmaster Dan Coblentz in Westport. He is an active member of the Northview Church of the Brethren where he serves as the stewards chairperson.

He views the REMC board as an opportunity to give back to his community. Boersma has an interest in energy and the environment.

“I feel that by serving on the board, I might be able to learn how the REMC is working toward sustainable energy practices and how to do so in the future,” Boersma said.

Jeff Lawrence DISTRICT 3

Jeff Lawrence and his wife, Connie, reside on East Base Road in Greensburg.

He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. As a director, Lawrence wants to see an environment of transparency and accountability at both DCREMC and Hoosier Energy. He believes DCREMC should

6

MAY 2020

provide reliable service and fair rates to ALL members at the lowest possible cost with open and honest communication. Lawrence voted against the 2018, ‘19 and ‘20 budgets.

He believes that implementing the business practice of formalizing major projects prior to determining a budget, requiring competitive bids, then using those bids to complete the budget, would facilitate major cost savings.

Lawrence also voted against the most recent rate increase because subsidies exist between and within rate classes.

He is an advocate for equitable treatment of ALL members. During the past three years, Lawrence has helped numerous members reduce their energy consumption and combine meters (when possible) to reduce the cost of facility charges. He has aided commercial members with the reduction of demand charges, assisted members with eliminating intermittent and repetitive outages, and has educated members on the advantages of solar energy.

When elected in 2017, Lawrence made a commitment to represent the interests of the members of the cooperative and if re-elected, he plans to continue his commitment to serve as an advocate for the members of Decatur County REMC.

Steve AmRhein DISTRICT 4

Steve AmRhein and his wife, Diane, reside on State Road 3 south of Greensburg. He is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a degree in mathematics. AmRhein spent the early part of his career working in the information technology field for Batesville Casket Company before becoming a high school math teacher. He recently retired from teaching and continues to enjoy working on the family farm on which he was raised.

AmRhein is a member of the Immaculate

Conception Church in Millhousen where he serves on various ministries. He is also a member of the Greensburg Knights of Columbus and serves on the board of trustees for Decatur County Community Schools.

AmRhein was elected to the DCREMC board of directors in 2011 and is currently serving as chairman of the board. He also serves as the Indiana Electric Cooperatives board delegate, representing DCREMC. By participating in education and training courses, he has completed his Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificate from NRECA. AmRhein is dedicated to serving the members of DCREMC and looks forward to continuing to meet our changing power needs while developing new opportunities to deliver excellence to the members. He believes it is important for members to be aware of energy solutions and services supported by DCREMC. AmRhein welcomes the opportunity to continue serving the community and representing the members of DCREMC.

Gary Cunningham DISTRICT 4

Gary Cunningham and his wife, Joane, reside on Southwest 60 in Greensburg. He is a certified insurance agent and has owned and operated Cunningham Racing and Repair Service for 25 years. The company designs, engineers, and repairs all types of equipment.

Cunningham currently serves as vice president of Decatur County Farmers Mutual.

He has managed a successful business which has helped customers solve problems with equipment for many years. Cunningham feels this will be an asset to strengthen the Decatur County REMC moving forward in its development. “I am honest and straight forward and willing to work hard,” Cunningham said.

Steve Stagge DISTRICT 4

Steve Stagge; his wife, Heidi; and their two daughters reside on 240 Northwest in Greensburg. He wants to be on the DCREMC board of directors to serve the members of the cooperative. Stagge has concerns with how rates are determined and how monthly bills are calculated.

“As a member who has both residential and commercial bills, I believe there are opportunities for DCREMC to educate members on how to reduce our usage while reducing REMC cost, and then pass along the savings to the member,” Stagge said.

He also believes there should be more financial information shared with the members and that no financial information should be considered confidential. Stagge feels controlling cost should be priority. He says he supports the focus on transparency but does not support DCREMC management spending any of our cooperative’s money to influence the election of the board of directors. He looks forward to working with the REMC board of directors to find solutions to his issues and the issues of other members.

Jason Barnhorst DISTRICT 7

Jason Barnhorst is a fifth generation Decatur County farmer with a bachelor’s degree in public health from Indiana University. He is a lifelong member of Smyrna Lutheran Church, serves on the USDA Farm Service Agency county committee, and represents Decatur County REMC on the board of directors at Hoosier Energy.

Barnhorst is scheduled to earn the first two levels of accreditation from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association for director education. Upon completion, he

will be the only director in the history of DCREMC to have earned both accreditations in his first term. His training is imperative to understanding the cooperative business model and making informed decisions for our membership, community, and cooperative moving forward in this rapidly changing business. Barnhorst believes that, now more than ever, DCREMC needs informed, objective, and motivated leadership, which he has demonstrated in the following ways: • Supported policies to encourage transparency, published minutes and financials on website and open board meetings • Voted in favor of policies to keep DCREMC rates fair and equitable for members • Voted in support of Construction Work Plan that will maintain DCREMC infrastructure to provide safe and reliable service with fewer outages • As Hoosier Energy director, adopted a long-term resource plan that will provide $700 million in savings and reduce carbon footprint by 80% over the next 20 years For more information, Barnhorst invites members to find him at facebook.com/ jason.barnhorst.7. “My commitment to the members, employees, and communities of DCREMC is unwavering and I look forward to serving them for another three-year term,” said Barnhorst.

Mark Ertel DISTRICT 7

Mark Ertel; his wife, Katie; and their three daughters reside on 600 South in Greensburg. He is a 2003 graduate of North Decatur High School and established his own construction company, Ertel Construction, Inc., in 2007. His business specializes in construction of commercial properties and residential homes. Ertel is a member of the Home Builders Association of Southeast Indiana and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg.

He says he is ready to take on the challenge of being more straightforward about the “true-up” estimates on work being done and finding a more efficient tree service to serve our members. “I would like our members to have a better explanation of their billings and where those member funds are being spent,” Ertel said. He is also interested in gaining knowledge of current expenses, budgeting involvement and reducing the amount of future debt by controlling current costs.

Nominating Committee Candidates Rollin (Ronnie) Bruner DISTRICT 2

Rollin (Ronnie) Bruner and his wife, Barbara, reside on 150 East in Greensburg. Bruner is retired after a 40-year career as a general contractor in the area. He is an active member of the Greensburg Power of the Past and Methodist Men, and serves as the Clinton Township trustee. Bruner is interested in serving on the nominating committee because he cares about REMC members and his community. He looks forward to the opportunity to give back.

P. Brian Richards DISTRICT 2

No bio or photo submitted.

Brian Huff DISTRICT 4

Brian Huff and his wife, Lisa, live on 220 Southwest in Greensburg. He has taken coursework through Purdue and IUPUI and has been employed by the Decatur County Highway Department since 1991. Huff has served on the Decatur County Water Board and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Millhousen where he sings in the men’s choir and leads the annual community auction for the parish

continued on page 8 MAY 2020

7

continued from page 7 Huff is honored to be asked to serve as a member of the nominating committee for Decatur County REMC. Huff says that he doesn’t have any experience that would make him any better than anyone else but looks forward to giving back to the community. “I’m just a common Joe that tries to be honest and do the right thing,” Huff said.

Sandra Nieman DISTRICT 4

Sandra Nieman and her husband, Larry, reside on County Road 300 South in Greensburg. She has been helping on the farm since 1978 where she assists with livestock, field work, and baling straw.

Nieman is active in the community and has served on a number of other boards including the Decatur County United Fund, Greensburg High School Adult Boosters and

Music Parents. She is currently involved with Decatur County Pork Producers, the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County, On Eagles Wings 5K, and the St. Mary’s Festival meal committee, and she serves on the board of directors for Decatur County Farm Bureau, Inc. As a Decatur County REMC member, Nieman is interested in serving on the nominating committee to learn more about the organization. She views this as an opportunity to learn, grow, and meet new people. “I enjoy volunteering to serve the community in which I live. It affords me the opportunity to meet new people, network, problem solve and make it a better place for everyone,” Nieman said.

Chris Morrow DISTRICT 5

Chris Morrow resides on Ironmine Road in Westport. He is a 2004 graduation of South Decatur High School and is currently a paramedic student at Ivy Tech. Morrow works as a full time EMT/firefighter for Letts

Fire Department. He has also served as a volunteer firefighter since 2004.

Morrow is interested in being involved and serving his community because he enjoys helping and supporting the members of his community.

Jacob Mattox DISTRICT 5

Jacob Mattox and his wife, Allison, reside on 700 West in Westport. Mattox has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. He currently works as the head butcher at Jackson County Processing. Mattox also serves as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with Letts Volunteer Fire Department.

He says he would be happy to serve on the nominating committee and learn more about the REMC.

Minutes of the 81st Annual Meeting • The annual meeting of the members of the Decatur County Rural Electric Membership Corporation was held at the Decatur County Fairground Livestock Pavilion, Greensburg, Indiana, activities beginning at 5:00 p.m. and business meeting at 6:30 p.m. on June 14, 2019. Corporate Relations Manager Rachel Sullivan, welcomed the members and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arthur Alunday gave the invocation. The meeting was called to order by chairman, Tom Crowe, and Jason Barnhorst, secretary, kept the minutes.

• The Secretary reported that the members present had been checked and a quorum was present.

• The Secretary read the notice of the meeting together with the proof of mailing thereof to all of

8

MAY 2020

the members of the Corporation; and such notice and proofs were ordered annexed to the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the members.

• The Annual Report, which included the Treasurer's Report, was mailed to each member.

• Upon motion properly made and carried, the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the members held March 22, 2018 were approved as printed in the Annual Report.

• Chairman Tom Crowe and CEO Brett Abplanalp, reported to the membership on the activities at Decatur County REMC for the year 2018. Director Tom Crowe shared information regarding Hoosier Energy and Director Steve AmRhein spoke of the benefits of Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

• Election of Directors and Nominating Committee was conducted by Attorney Don Wickens. Those elected and certified by the Inspectors of Election for Directors of the Corporation were: • Suzanne Parmer, District 1 • Carl Riedeman, District 2 • The following persons were elected to the Nominating Committee: • Dennis Dickman, District 1 • Marilyn Davis, District 3 • A $10 credit will be given to members who registered at the meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.