The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held at Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc., located in Newberry County, State of South Carolina, on Tuesday, June 30, 2025.
Chairman Johnnie L. Dickert called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m., followed by Trustee Melanie Hawkins' invocation, with the determination of a quorum present.
The secretary reported that the following Board Members were present:
Barbara C. Bishop Leon Fulmer, Jr. J. Craig Kesler
Douglas E. Hipp Melanie B. Hawkins William Lominick, Sr.
Johnnie L. Dickert John W. Nichols M. Blake Brigman
President and CEO G. Keith Avery was present at the meeting, along with: Arthur Guy, CFO; Lisa Wicker, Accounting Supervisor; and Tara Chapman, Executive Assistant.
President and CEO Avery informed the Board of the proposed Loan Agreement with National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“CFC”). He then introduced Mr. Guy, who reviewed the loan information in detail. Following Mr. Guy's explanation, Attorney Thomas H. Pope, III, reviewed the Attorney's Opinion to the board. After some discussion among the Trustees, Trustee Kesler made a motion to accept the information as explained and proceed with the funding. The motion was seconded and approved with a unanimous vote.
Chairman Dickert asked the Board if they wished to enter an Executive Session. Trustee Nichols made a motion to go into Executive Session, the motion was seconded and approved with a unanimous vote. President Avery, Mr. Guy, Mrs. Wicker, and Mrs. Chapman left the room. Once the meeting returned to regular session, President Avery and Mrs. Chapman returned to the meeting. No voting or actions took place during the Executive Session.
The meeting proceeded with the reading and approval of the minutes from the May 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Trustee Brigman made a motion to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded and approved with a unanimous vote.
Committee Chairman John W. Nichols reported that the Finance Committee held its regular meeting on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The Committee members are Trustees Johnnie L. Dickert, J. Craig Kesler, William Lominick, Sr., and John W. Nichols. All were present, along with the President and CEO Avery.
Committee Chairman Nichols reported that the Finance Committee had reviewed the cash disbursements for May 2025. All expenditures were in order, and the committee presented this report as general information. The board's consensus was to accept the report.
Attorney Thomas H. Pope, III, did not request an Executive Session.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the functions and activities he attended in June 2025. This included the ECSC Summer Conference, meeting with Congressman Ralph Norman, and a bill signing for the S.C. Energy Security Act at the governor's mansion.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the operational data for June 2025 in detail. The total amount for May 2025 write-offs is $954.13. Trustee Hipp motioned to accept this amount. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the Engineering and Operations, as well as the Operational Support reports for May 2025. Three substation transformers have been ordered, two have arrived, and the third is expected to arrive in September of this year. Preparations and planning are underway to replace concentric neutral underground lines that serve Key Island Road.
Carla Boozer and Phillip Padgett have completed NRECA’s Supervisor and Manager Development training. Trent Swygert and Nick Woodruff have completed the Apprentice II training.
President and CEO Avery informed the Board of details regarding the NRECA’s Region 2 Meeting. Seven of the Trustees expressed interest in attending the conference in October 2025.
President and CEO Avery discussed the Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s Advisory Committee. The Board will be submitting member appointments for the committee from each district.
President and CEO Avery reviewed a notice from Jim Matheson, NRECA Chief Executive Officer, regarding the NRECA Director Election, which will take place on August 7, 2025.
Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., June 2, 2025, Rates Task Force Meeting Summary, Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., June 4, 2025, Executive Committee Meeting Summary, and ECSC, June 4, 2025 Board Meeting Highlights were accepted as information.
President and CEO Avery informed the Trustees of the yearly Patronage Capital refund from CEEUS for the amount of $156,922.62
President and CEO Avery presented to the Board the thank you cards received from the individuals who were sponsored by Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc. to attend the ECSC Youth Tour.
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025.
There being no further business and without objections, Chairman Johnnie L. Dickert adjourned the July Regular Board Meeting at 8:55 p.m.
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SECRETARY APPROVED
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CHAIRMAN