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 Salem
Electric and the Board stand in strong support of the community we serve. This
was again evident when the Board considered two requests from community service
organizations. First to present a request for financial assistance was Debra
Garvey, Resource Development Director for the Boys and Girls Club. She gave a
very informative overview of the work the Boys and Girls Club is doing in the
Salem and Keizer area. They serve approximately 900 kids per day. Their request
was for $917.20 for a part-time person and books to add an 8-week
reading/recognition program. The Board gladly approved the request. The program
will be known as the "Salem Electric Summer Reading Program."
Next came a presentation by Sandie
Pattison, Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP). She provided an
interesting and compelling description of the program. She said that 85% of the
program deals with juveniles that are referred from the criminal justice system
in Polk County. The program works through mediators which assist the juvenile
and the victim to work together for solutions. She said that last year the
mediators were able to arrange $7,000 in restitution to victims. She also
presented copies of letters attesting to the programs success from prior
victims and from juveniles. They feel that they can raise $900 of the $1,800
they anticipate as their need. Salem Electric was asked for the remainder.
Again the Board felt the need was compelling and voted unanimously to approve a
donation of $900.
There was some discussion
after the presenters left as to defining our policy on donations more
specifically. Nancy Towslee said she and the policy review committee will
consider updating the policy.
Jeff Pearson of Coopers &
Lybrand made an audit presentation. He said the financial records are in good
standing and that we had a strong and successful year. He handed out a 5-year
comparison analysis and noted that Salem Electric has very strong comparative
ratios. Director Koho pointed out that Salem Electric serves more customers
than some of the comparative utilities and does it with fewer employees. He
noted that this speaks very highly of staff.
The Annual Meeting on May 13
was discussed. Peter Courtney had confirmed that he would be the speaker. The
Board hoped many members would come out for the evening and take part in the
Annual Meeting.
-- Jim
Dyer, President
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