Budget Presentation
Staff presented the proposed 2025 budget and noted that SE’S goals guide decision-making and resource allocation, and provide a framework to balance the needs and priorities of the cooperative. The budget presentation noted that staffing levels will stay the same and provided detailed estimates on revenue and power cost. To provide enhanced service to our members and minimize busy signals during an outage, a new vendor is being contracted to handle after-hours calls. Large projects include the ongoing replacement of underground cable throughout our service area installed in the 1960s and ‘70s, and the replacement of aging utility poles. New network switches and storage hardware for security cameras are also in the budget.
General Manager’s Report
Tony Schacher presented the results of the employee engagement survey which confirmed that Salem Electric employees are committed and engaged. Schacher also reviewed the elements of the Board’s strategic plan which included facility improvements, rate structures, load growth, and revenue streams.