REMCs to share director…
New head wants to be transparent
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Price

The new man in charge at Carroll County REMC formally begins the job Nov. 1, but has already begun meeting with staff in the Delphi office. Although the time is fast approaching for him to formally lead the Carroll County group, he does not yet know what he will be paid for the work.

"That's how much I trust these guys," two-year Chief Executive Officer of the White County REMC Randy Price said, referencing the Carroll County board.

Carroll County REMC Board of Directors President Tom Flora also sat down with the Comet for the interview. He explained Carroll County REMC will sign an annual contract with White County REMC for Price's services in Carroll County. Price's salary will be paid by White County REMC and Carroll County REMC will be invoiced by the neighboring cooperative. Flora said White County would officially be Price's overseer.

Price said he would be loyal to both boards because he had gotten to know the Carroll County board over the past year. Price said both boards were led to the decision to combine the top positions due to the exploratory work they did for the consolidation effort.

Flora said he expected Carroll County to pay roughly $10,000 per month to White County REMC for Price's services in Carroll County. He and Price agreed both cooperatives would save "tens of thousands of dollars" for salaries with the contract.

Price explained the local REMC office could experience changes but staff and services would remain the same. He said closing the Delphi office is not in the cooperative's five-year plan.

The new leader emphasized his management style follows a teamwork model rather than supervisor/employee one. He said he would lead the Delphi office in the same manner he leads the White County office. Price said employees in the White County office perform community service work in the local area at their choosing. He said selected readings to enhance their work environment is offered. Price said he would meet with the Delphi staff on a regular basis and would lead Delphi office employees in similar activities.

The new CEO explained it is the goal for both cooperatives to continue to be prosperous.

"Both companies should stay strong and healthy," he said.

He said he could not predict how much time he would devote to each office, but said the time would "balance out over the course of a quarter."

Price said that by combining his services between the two cooperatives risk would be minimized. He said he would give his very best effort to connect with Carroll County REMC members and said he would conduct an online member survey to enhance that process. He said he wanted to earn Carroll County members' trust.

The new CEO said the biggest worry among members is the rising cost of utility bills. Workshops to address the issue are in the planning stage. Local strategic planning will happen after he formally is hired for the position.

Price said the debt of each cooperative is nearly equal. He said White County REMC "sells the product of Fairnet" and said the cooperative to the north was "just marketing a product and trying to help our neighbor be successful."

Flora added that Carroll County REMC does not help Fairnet, an Internet company owned by Carroll County REMC, with cash flow as was done previously.

Flora said although members who attended the annual board meeting in August voted to reject a consolidation of the two cooperatives, the Carroll County REMC Board of Directors believe a merger is the right move for the organization.

"Board members are members, too," he said.

Flora said education was needed for more members to understand how the measure would benefit the local community. Flora said he does not receive calls from members with concerns about how the board is proceeding. He can be reached at his home by telephone at (765) 564-3166. Price said he could be reached by calling the local REMC office at (765) 564-2057 and a message would be forwarded to him. He said he would post a schedule of his Delphi office times for drop-in visitors.

Flora explained any member can attend a monthly board meeting, usually held on the last Monday of the month, by filling out a form obtained at the local office. He said directors are voted into office every four years.

Both cooperatives have their own unique differences that should spread out our risks so much better in this economy, said Price.

"I will give my very best effort to serve Carroll County," he concluded. "I want to exceed your expectations and earn your trust. We can help each other grow."