SDMEA Hometown Power

CHRIS HILL, DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC SERVICES

Legislative session came upon us quickly. I’m writing this on day 2 of our 38-day session this year.

Session means a couple of things to me. When I fi rst started my position with the SDMEA, I wasn’t very familiar with the legislative process. I guess I’m still not, but I have learned a lot in my time at the capital over the last few years. The fi rst week is always exciting as everyone is happy to be back together and we get to visit with people that we haven’t seen in a while.

With the new district map next year, I am personally affected as my home county, Aurora, moves from District 20 to District 21. Luckily for me, I am familiar with the legislators from both districts and I am okay with the transition. The only thing that will be different is my current legislators are 20 miles away and I frequently see them at events throughout the year. I do see the district 21 legislators (two of them anyway) at wrestling tournaments so it will all work out.

There are several other changes to other districts throughout the state as well. I do hope that if you have concerns that you reach out to your new legislators and visit with them about your concerns. I know that it can seem intimidating at times, but they are all just people as well. Having said that, because your elected offi cials are people, I do ask that you treat them with respect. Changing topics. By now, all 35 municipalities have received your Comparison of Operations Survey. I know that the survey can seem a little overwhelming, but if you have any questions, please reach out to your power providers or myself for any questions that may arise.

There are some new finance officers throughout our municipal electric communities that may be fi lling out our survey for the fi rst time, so please do not try to take it on yourself if you have any questions or are not sure of how to fi ll out the survey. I know that the veteran fi nance offi cers will fl y through it and I have an idea of which ones will be the fi rst to respond with the survey completed.

You have probably also noted that our associate membership program is up and running. We are looking for all vendors, companies, and any businesses in your community to be our associate members to help us promote the SDMEA and offer more opportunities for our member communities. If you have any questions about the associate membership, please reach out to me and I will lead you in the right direction.

In this magazine you will also fi nd our tentative SDMEA Conference and Technology Expo agenda and registration. This conference will be held in Watertown on April 5 and 6. Each year we want at least one representative from each member municipality.

If your community does not have a superintendent or foreman on staff, please encourage another city employee to attend so they can network and learn about our association. We look forward to visiting with you at the conference so we can all share what makes our HOMETOWNS great! ■