Annual Meeting Program Thursday, May 5, 2016

Moore Pavilion – Lamar, Missouri Registration at 5:00 p.m.

Business Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. …..……………………………. Registration of Members

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. …..……………………………. Chicken Mary’s Meal

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. ..........………………………… Entertainment, That Dalton Gang

6:30 p.m. Call Meeting to Order ……………… Doug Haile, President

Pledge of Allegiance........................................

Invocation ………………………………………..

Introduction of Guests and Board Members…. Doug Haile, President

Determination of Quorum ……………………... Rod Widger, Attorney

Notice of Meeting ……………………………..... Rod Widger, Attorney

Minutes of 2015 Annual Meeting …………...... Joel Maneval, Secretary

President’s Report……………………………… Doug Haile, President

Financial Report………………………………… Joel Maneval, Secretary

Introduction of Board Candidates ……………. Rod Widger, Attorney

Balloting ………………………………………… Rod Widger, Attorney

Registration Closed Voting Ceased

Chief Executive Officer Report………………… Russell McCorkle, CEO

Questions & Answers ………………………….. Board, CEO, & Attorney

Election Results ………………………………… Rod Widger, Attorney

Old Business ……………………………………. Doug Haile, President

New Business …………………………………... Doug Haile, President

Adjournment …………………………………..... Doug Haile, President

*Drawing for prizes throughout the meeting

May 2016bcec Ground Sourcethe official newsletter of Barton County Electric Cooperative

CEO/GM NEWSCEO/General Manager Russell McCorkle

Your Capital Credit, Your Meeting,

Your Cooperative...Our Focus

Few companies can say, since we made above margin in a given year you will be getting a check back from us for the product/services provided. Well, as a member of an Electric Cooperative this happens. In 1989 Barton County Electric made $189,500 above expenses so anyone who was a member in 1989 recently received a check for their portion of the margins from 1989. It’s another advantage of being a part of an Electric Cooperative, where members are the owners.

Another advantage of an Electric Cooperative is you the member has a

voice how your Cooperative is ran. Annual Meeting is in a few days. At this meeting, you will vote on a bylaw change and you will vote for three candidates who will serve as your Board of Directors for a three-year term. You will be updated on the financial health and hear about issues your Cooperative has faced in the past year and what the future looks like. A meal catered by Chicken Mary’s and entertainment by That Dalton Gang will be provided as well as activities for the little ones. Buddy Bear is scheduled to make an appearance again, along with a photo booth to be enjoyed by all. This meeting will take place again at Moore Pavilion in Lamar Thursday, May 5 with registration, the meal and entertainment beginning at 5:00 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. On behalf of your Board of Directors, your employees and myself, thank you for taking time to be a part of a great cooperative and we are looking forward to seeing everyone on May 5th.

Our office will be Closed Memorial Day - May 30

For emergencies or Outages Call 417-682-5636 or 800-286-5636

Balance SheetFor December 31, 2015 and 2014

ASSETS 2015 2014Utility Plant:

Electric plant in service - at cost $48,723,758 $48,006,432Construction work in progress 190,936 461,993

48,914,694 48,468,425Less accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization 14,511,011 14,572,161

Net Utility Plant 34,403,683 33,896,264

Other property and investments:Investments in associated organizations 7,151,801 6,818,169Total other property and investments 7,151,801 6,818,169

Current Assets:Cash and cash equivalents 956,160 783,445Accounts receivable - less allowancefor doubtful accounts: 2015 - $228,0802014 - $229,097 1,059,937 1,253,412Materials and supplies - at average cost 497,109 459,009Other current and accrued assets 33,458 57,713Total current assets 2,546,664 2,553,579

Deferred debits 1,220,089 1,394,387

TOTAL ASSETS $45,322,237 $44,662,399

LIABILITIES and EQUITIES 2015 2014Equities and margins:

Patronage capital $19,377,103 $18,871,734Other equities 73,890Accumulated other comprehensive income -Total equities and margins 19,377,103 18,945,624

Long-term debt:Long-term debt less current maturities 22,762,040 22,858,789Obligations on capital lease 9,880 2,892

22,771,920 22,861,681

Current liabilities:Postretirement health care benefits - -Current maturities of long-term debt 823,800 789,400Accounts payable 1,304,773 886,506Consumer deposits 103,483 100,733Other current and accrued liabilities 941,158 1,078,455Total current liabilities 3,173,214 2,855,094

TOTAL LIABILITIES and EQUITIES $45,322,237 $44,662,399

Statements of Revenues and Patronage CapitalDecember 31, 2015 and 2014

2015 2014

Operating revenues $16,775,497 $17,011,938

Operating expenses:Cost of power 8,885,420 8,703,409Distribution - operation 932,665 719,453Distribution - maintenance 2,079,716 1,795,961Consumer accounts expense 667,240 715,207Administration and general 1,177,905 1,077,885Depreciation and amortization 1,566,420 1,466,219Interest on long-term debt 1,065,885 1,074,178Other interest and deductions 19,614 137,365

Total operating expenses 16,394,865 15,689,677

Net operating margins 380,632 1,322,261

Non-operatingInterest income 24,500 26,246Other 91,447 24,593

Net non-operating income 115,947 50,839

Capital creditsG&T capital credits 367,236 583,881Other cooperative capital credits 94,979 98,887

Total capital credits 462,215 682,768

Net margins 958,794 2,055,868

Patronage capital - beginning of year 18,871,734 17,190,116Transfer from other Equities 131,998 -Retirement of patronage capital (585,423) (374,250)

Patronage capital - end of year $19,377,103 $18,871,734

Annual Meeting Program Thursday, May 5, 2016

Moore Pavilion – Lamar, Missouri Registration at 5:00 p.m.

Business Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. …..……………………………. Registration of Members

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. …..……………………………. Chicken Mary’s Meal

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. ..........………………………… Entertainment, That Dalton Gang

6:30 p.m. Call Meeting to Order ……………… Doug Haile, President

Pledge of Allegiance........................................

Invocation ………………………………………..

Introduction of Guests and Board Members…. Doug Haile, President

Determination of Quorum ……………………... Rod Widger, Attorney

Notice of Meeting ……………………………..... Rod Widger, Attorney

Minutes of 2015 Annual Meeting …………...... Joel Maneval, Secretary

President’s Report……………………………… Doug Haile, President

Financial Report………………………………… Joel Maneval, Secretary

Introduction of Board Candidates ……………. Rod Widger, Attorney

Balloting ………………………………………… Rod Widger, Attorney

Registration Closed Voting Ceased

Chief Executive Officer Report………………… Russell McCorkle, CEO

Questions & Answers ………………………….. Board, CEO, & Attorney

Election Results ………………………………… Rod Widger, Attorney

Old Business ……………………………………. Doug Haile, President

New Business …………………………………... Doug Haile, President

Adjournment …………………………………..... Doug Haile, President

*Drawing for prizes throughout the meeting

The American Humane Association has designated the first full week in May

(May 1-7 this year) as a time to appreciate pets and other animals. Dogs and cats were once worshipped as gods in some societies. In the 11th century, a dog called Saur was

named king of Norway by his master, the actual ruler, who was angry with his subjects for having once deposed him. English writer Samuel Johnson

fed his favorite cat, Hodge, fresh oysters every day; and U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt invited his extra-

toed cat, Slippers, to diplomatic dinners.

Forsythias and lilacs are common springtime sights in the United States, but neither plant is native.

The forsythia made its way from China to England thanks to Robert Fortune, a plant hunter for the Royal Horticultural Society. A few plants sailed to America with settlers

in 1860. Lilacs may have come from Persia to New Hampshire in 1695. In 1750,

purple lilacs were planted at Gov. Wentworth’s home in Portsmouth, and in 1919, the purple lilac was adopted as New Hampshire’s official state flower.

THE OLD FARMER’S

WEATHERPROVERBSA cold May is kindly and fills the barn finely.

The weather usually clears at noon when a southerly wind is blowing.

With dew before mid-night, the next day will sure be bright.

When the thrush sings at sunset, a fair day will follow.

Plant the bean when the moon is light; plant potatoes when the moon is dark.

Clover contracts its leaves at the approach of a storm. Wind roaring into the chimney, there is rain to come.

A late spring is a great blessing.

May 2016

Plant colonists

Pet appreciation week

Tornadoes and green skies

# Recipe forGoat Cheese and Greens

4 cups mixed salad greens1 medium red onion, peeled and sliced4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled2 tomatoes, cored and cut into wedgesSalt and freshly ground pepper, to tasteCroutonsBalsamic vinaigrette

For recipes, gardening tips and weather forecasts, visit:www.almanac.com

www.almanac.com

Rinse salad greens, pat dry and place in a large salad bowl. Add the red onion, goat cheese and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. When ready to serve, add the croutons and vinaigrette and toss well. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Most tornadoes in the United States occur in May, often striking

suddenly and without warning, and few natural phenomena are harder to predict. Folk wisdom advises that a “pale green sky means the wind is high.” In other words, the sky turns green just before a

tornado forms. Although no one knows for certain why this happens, one theory suggests that because storms usually develop in the afternoon, the longer wavelengths (red and yellow) of afternoon

sunlight (already deficient in blue) turn the bluish, water-heavy clouds green.

Dear Pat: I recently moved into a new home, and it feels drafty. I added weath-erstripping to the doors and windows, but it doesn’t seem to have solved the problem. Are there additional steps I can take to increase comfort? — Rob J.

Dear Rob: Sealing air leaks is one of the easiest and most cost-effective improve-ments you can make in your home. Weatherstripping doors and windows is a great fi rst step and one that will likely pay for itself within a year. However, there are less obvious sources of air leakage that can cause signifi cant discomfort in your home. The average home leaks about half of its air every hour through various cracks and gaps. These air openings add up to a 2-foot-square hole in the average home — that’s like having a window open all day, every day. Sealing your home can help keep heated and cooled air indoors, making your home more comfortable and reducing your energy bill. While drafty windows and doors are obvious sources of air leakage, there are other places where air could be escap-ing and where moisture, pollen, dust and pests could be getting in. For example, holes drilled into your walls, ceiling and attic for plumbing pipes and electrical lines can be a major source of air leakage. Outlet covers and recessed lights also can have small gaps where conditioned air can escape. Other sources could include leaks in air ducts in unheated spaces, chimneys and attic accesses. To fi nd air leaks, you can start with a visual inspection, checking for gaps and cracks where air could escape. Walk around your home’s exterior and closely examine where different building materi-als meet, such as around the foundation perimeter, around outdoor water faucets and where the siding and the chimney meet. Indoors, examine common sources of air leakage, including electrical and water service entrances, baseboards, door and window frames as well as attic access doors. Though a visual inspection often can identify the most obvious areas for improvement, a blower door test can give you the most thorough accounting of air leaks in your home. A blower door test is commonly performed during an energy audit. During this test, a powerful fan is mounted in the frame of an exterior door, pulling air outside of the house and lowering the air pressure inside. Then, the higher pressure air from outside of the house comes in through any unsealed openings, which the ener-gy auditor locates, often using a smoke pen. Check with your electric cooperative to see if it offers home energy audits. Once you have found the air leaks, the next step is to seal them. The materials you need will depend on what gap is being sealed. For example: • Doors and windows with gaps at the frame need weatherstripping. • Small gaps, such as around outlets, can be fi lled with caulk. • Large gaps and holes, such as around pipes, may need foam insulation, foil insulation, sheeting or a combination of materials. You may have heard that your home needs some amount of air leak-age to stay properly ventilated — and this is true. A home that is too

“tight” can have issues with too much interior moisture, as well as carbon monoxide risks if combustion appliances don’t have adequate ventilation. It is especially important that you not plug up vents that bring in outside air to a gas or propane furnace or stove. However, relying on uncontrolled air leaks instead of using mechani-cal ventilation is not a good idea. In cold, windy weather, your home will be drafty — but in warm, still weather, not enough air may come in, leaving you with moisture and air quality issues. An energy auditor can use a blower door test to ensure a healthy level of air infi ltration for your home and, in the unlikely event that your home is too tight, recommend a good ventilation strategy. If you have questions, please contact your local electric cooperative.

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless of Col-laborative Effi ciency. For more information on ensuring quality energy effi ciency work, please visit www.collaborativeeffi ciency.com/energy-tips or email Pat Keegan at energytips@collaborativeeffi ciency.com.

Identifying sources of air leaks inside your home

R M | H O M E C O M F O RT

6

1

1 Chimney flashing

2 Attic entrance

3 Window frames

4 Recessed lights

5 Dropped ceiling

6 Water & furnace flues

7 Sill plates

8 Door frames

9 Outlets & switches

10 All ducts

11 Plumbing &utility access

3

7

8

10

4

2

5

9

11

COMMON AIR LEAKS

Some of the most common areas for air leaks in your home may not be located where you most commonly look.

TO REPORT AN OUTAGECall 417.682.5636 or 800.286.5636

24 hours a dayBefore you call:

• Check breaker(s) in your home and below your meter

• Check with your neighbors to verify they have power

• To better serve you when you do call please have the following information ready:• Name on the account you are

reporting • Your six-digit BCEC location

number

Bill Payment Options1. The Office

You are always welcome to stop by the office located

1 mile west of Lamar at 91 West 160 Highway

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.2. Drive-up Drop Box located at our office

available 24 hours a day3. On-Line Bill Pay

available 24 hours a day at www.bartonelectric.com

4. By Mailing To: Barton County Electric Cooperative

91 West Highway 160Lamar, MO 64759

5. Auto Payfrom your checking or savings account

or with your debit/credit card6. By Phone

Using your debit or credit cardMonday thru Friday 8am to 5pm

417-682-5636 / 800-286-56367. Prepay

Call or stop by to learn more about how you can prepay

for your electricity

Your DirectorsDoug Haile, President

Kenny Owen, Vice President Joel Maneval, Secretary

Barbara Barley David StumpKevin Taffner

Jerry ThiemanMax Walters Tom Williams

Your CEORussell McCorkle

bcec Ground Sourcethe official newsletter of Barton County Electric Cooperative

May 2016account # 67121110

2016 Annual Meeting Electric Credit Drawings

10 @ $50.005 @ $100.005 @ $250.001 @ $500.00

Must Be Present to Win

Credits must be used between 5/6/16 to 5/31/17

Credits are non-transferrable

UNAPPROVED MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF BARTON COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. May 14, 2015

The 79th Annual Meeting of the Members of Barton County Electric Cooperative, Inc., convened at Moore Pavilion in the City of Lamar, Barton County, Missouri at 6:30 p.m., on May 14, 2015, pursuant to the date fixed by the Board of Directors under the provisions of the bylaws and notice of the meeting.

Registration began at 5:00 p.m. with a meal served to members, prepared by Chicken Mary’s. Pre-meeting entertainment was provided by That Dalton Gang.

President Douglas Haile called the meeting to order. The colors were presented by Boy Scout Troop 207. A troop representative led the membership in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Director Joel Maneval offered a prayer of invocation.

President Haile welcomed members and recognized guests at the meeting. He introduced the Board of Directors and gave recognition to local organizations supporting the meeting. He expressed the appreciation of the Cooperative for their services.

Attendance prizes were distributed throughout the course of the meeting.

Rod Widger, General Counsel and Parliamentarian for the meeting, verified the status of the meeting. He announced that there were 445 members registered and that the quorum requirement was satisfied to conduct the business of the meeting. Mr. Widger explained the voting method to be used during the meeting. On motion made, seconded and passed, the membership resolved to waive the reading of the Official Notice and proof of mailing of notice.

Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Little presented the minutes of the 2014 Annual Meeting. On motion made, seconded and passed, the membership resolved to approve the 2014 minutes as printed.

President Haile presented the President’s Report. He highlighted the excellent physical and financial condition of the Cooperative. Indicators of financial health were the retirement of capital credits, the reduction of debt, and the growth of member equity. He expressed appreciation for the Cooperative staff and employees.

Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Little presented the Treasurer’s Report with a review of the balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations printed in the meeting program. On motion made, seconded and passed, the membership resolved to accept the Treasurer’s Report.

Mr. Widger introduced director candidates and gave instructions for the marking and collecting ballots. Voting was closed and ballots were collected to be counted with results to be reported before the conclusion of the meeting.

Assistant Manager Ramseyer introduced Mr. Russell McCorkle who has been employed as the Cooperative’s new CEO/General Manager. Mr. McCorkle spoke about his background and experience, introduced his family in attendance at the meeting, and presented his goals for shaping the future of the Cooperative.

Mr. Widger reported the results of the Director election as follows: Barbara Barley – 384 votes, Kevin Taffner – 364 votes, David Stump – 364 votes, and Tom Williams – 258 votes. It was therefore ordered that Barbara Barley, Kevin Taffner, and David Stump were each elected for a term of 3 years and until their successors are elected and qualified.

The President asked for old business and there was none. He then called for new business and there was none. On motion made, seconded and passed, the meeting was adjourned.

FIND YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER AND WIN $25!

1. Find your account number hidden in this issue of bcec Ground Source 2. Call the cooperative or stop by our office: 417.682.5636 or 800.286.5636

3. If the account number is yours you will get a $25.00 electric bill credit!

4. You must call to claim you prize during current issue