White and Carroll REMCs to merge
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Carroll County REMC members received a letter from the board of directors last week explaining plans to merge with White County REMC. Rumors of the merger were prevalent the week before, however REMC officials refused to go on record to confirm or deny them. The Delphi REMC office staff was apprized of the situation, as was Carroll County Economic Development Corporation Director Daryl Smith, but members had not been officially notified. Board president Tom Flora said it was necessary for the membership to receive official notification of the proposed action before the news was released.

According to the letter to membership, there has been increasing concern about the rising cost of fuel to generate electricity, materials costs and rising interest rates. Flora, who penned the letter, said both White County and Carroll County REMC boards voted at the November meeting "to consolidate the electric cooperatives into one unified entity."

Flora explained informal merger discussions led to a contract with an independent third-party financial expert "to conduct a preliminary financial forecast." A three-day strategic planning session "facilitated by a well-respected person in our electric cooperative industry" became a useful decision-making tool.

Flora said "no employee or director will lose their position as a result of the proposed consolidation."

The plan calls for the Delphi office to remain open. REMC hosts both EDC and Carroll County Chamber of Commerce offices. Neither is expected to change locations.

Carroll County REMC Director Ron Kennedy announced his retirement for 2009.