Guest Speaker
Lisa Harnisch, Executive Director of the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub, gave a presentation about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. At no cost to families, the Imagination Library gifts a high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five. She shared how the program operates in Marion and Polk counties, noting that they are currently looking for community partners to help cover the cost of providing books.
Board Information
The Board approved a $2,500 donation to the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The 2026 Budget Adjustments were approved as written, and a recommendation to amend Bylaw 4.4(a) Nomination and Election of Directors failed.
To further promote renewable generation, the Board approved increasing the aggregate cap on interconnected net-metered generation to a total DC nameplate capacity of 1,800 kW, which is approximately 2% of Salem Electric’s single-hour peak load.
The Board also approved establishing a Student Director Program, which will create a student director position on the Board. The program will provide a general understanding of the cooperative business model, electric utility operations, the duties and responsibilities of directors, and basic parliamentary procedures.
General Manager’s Report
Tony Schacher reported continued progress on Salem Electric’s Keizer property, which is slated for development as a future warehouse to support power restoration efforts during severe weather events. He also mentioned the upcoming release of Bonneville Power Administration’s contract high water mark in June and noted that Salem Electric received seven proposals for general counsel services, which will be under review.