A newsletter for members ofProviding energy for life.Tri-County Electric Cooperative

July 2016

77th Annual Meeting of Members

It’s that time of year again! You are cordially invited to attend Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s:

Dear Member,

When: Thursday, July 7th, 2016Registration: 4:30 PM Meeting: 6:30 PMWhere: Scotland R-1 High School (606 Lovers Ln, Memphis, Mo)

Details: - BBQ Dinner and Dessert Included

- Gifts for All Members in Attendence

- Prize Drawing: Energy Certificates

- Blood Pressure Screenings By: Scotland

County Health Department

- Kid Friendly & Encouraged

- Bucket Rides

- Kids’ Craft and Game Corner

- Gifts for Members’ Kids Plus Two Grand Prizes

Remember to Vote:

Haven’t voted for TCEC Board of Directors

yet? No worries! You have until July 5th, 2016

to have your ballot mailed in OR vote online.

Just follow the instructions on your ballot!

Missed the deadline, but still want your

voice heard? Vote at the Annual Meeting

during registration; just ask a TCEC employee

where to vote!

We hope to see you at our Annual Meeting

of Members come July 7th, 2016.

Sincerely, Tri-County Electric

And remember please bring this card

with you to assist us in the Annual Meeting

registration process.

Lovegreen Ford-Chrysler Kirksville $5 off an oil change* Plus, buy 4 oil changes* and get the 5th one free. FREE tire inspection with oil change

purchase.*Applies to light trucks and passenger vehicles. Smith, Moore & Co Kirksville Free Portfolio Review/Free Annuity & Life Insurance Review/50% Commission discount on your 1st stock tradeThe Turkey Roost Kirksville $25 off any full size turkey mount Subway Kirksville Get 1 free 21 oz. drink w/ purchase of footlong sub. One per customer. Payless Shoe Store Both Kirksville Locations 10% off total transaction Blue Sky Ammo Downing $10 off puchase of gun International Eyecare Center Kirksville and Memphis $10 off comprehensive eye exam; 20% off eyewear (frame & lenses) Not valid with other discounts on insurance Walker Motors Memphis Free detail with collision repair Kirksville Farm & Home Kirksville 10% off Carhartt or Under Armour clothing (reg. price) Woody’s Tire Auto & Towing Kirksville $5.00 off-17 pint trop artic lube up to 5 qt. of trop artic oil Cook’s Mens Store Memphis 20% off reg. price boots/shoes (Red Wing, Wolverine, Justin companies, Rocky, Hush Puppies, New Balance Depot Inn & Suites LaPlata 10% off regular room or the meal suite Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders/TCBY Kirksville 10% off any menu item of regular price Nancy’s Foot Care Memphis x 1 Hour Reflexology Sessions Get One Free KJ’s Boutique: Kirksville 20% off any $25.00 or more purchase (excludes Wewood watches)

Playgrounds flood with games during school recess. A great example is hopscotch. The

game can be played by one child or a large group, and the rules are simple. A course is laid out, typically drawn in chalk on pavement. Blocks are numbered in the order they must be hopped in, with a home, or safe, spot at the end. Then players toss a marker into designated squares and hop through the course. In some ways, the game reflects how cooperatives were formed. Co-ops — not-for-profit, member-owned businesses — may serve a few people or large groups. But all co-ops use the same “course,” following seven key principles. By “hopping” on each principle, co-ops provide an efficient consumer resource focused on service, not profit. So, what are Co-ops? Cooperatives are owned by their members — the people who receive services from them — and are found in many industries. For example, more than 900 electric co-ops serve 42 million Americans. According to the National Cooperative Grocers Association, 30 percent of farmers’ products are marketed through more than 3,000 farmer-owned cooperatives in America. Familiar brands like SunKist, Land O’Lakes, Cabot Creamery, Ocean Spray and Sun-Maid are all co-ops formed to help farmers distribute products. In banking, 10,000 credit unions provide financial services to 84 million members across the nation. Co-ops have also been formed to provide child care, insurance and housing. Nearly 30,000 cooperatives operate at 73,000 locations nationally.

Guiding PrinciplesThe cooperative movement traces its roots to a store started by weavers in the town of Rochdale, England in 1844. The Rochdale model revolved around a set of guidelines drawn up by one of its members, Charles Howarth. When introduced into the U.S. by the National Grange in 1874, these “Rochdale Principles” fueled a cooperative explosion. Although stated in many ways, the Rochdale Principles hold that a cooperative must provide:

1. Voluntary And Open Membership: Membership in a cooperative is available to all who can reasonably use its services, regardless of race, religion, sex or economic circumstances.

2. Democratic Member Control: Co-ops are democratically controlled, with each member having one vote. As a result, control remains in the hands of all customers. Directors are elected from the membership.

3. Members’ Economic Participation: Cooperatives provide services “at cost” and remain not-for-profit regardless of the value of benefits delivered. Any money left over after all expenses are paid—margins—belongs to the members. Each member’s share in the margin is determined by the amount of his or her use of the co-op’s services.

4. Autonomy And Independence: Cooperatives are self-sustaining, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If cooperatives enter into agreements with others or raise money from outside sources, they do so on terms that maintain democratic control as well as their unique identity.

5. Education, Training, and Information: Keeping members, directors, managers and other employees up to date on issues so they can effectively govern the co-op. Communication, particularly with young members and opinion leaders, helps generate necessary public support for cooperatives.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Mutual support helps cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with social and community needs.

7. Concern For Community: Cooperatives develop communities with programs supported by the membership.

Cooperative Hopscotch

To learn more about electric cooperatives, visit www.nreca.coop.

Co-op Connections Deals

From the Manager’s desk:

At the May meeting of the Board of Directors’ of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, the board reviewed the following items:

-The board reviewed and approved the proposed agenda.-The board reviewed and approved the regular board meeting minutes (04/25/2016).-The board heard a presentation from James Jones on GIS project.-The board heard a presentation from the Schuyler Co Ambulance District and Air Evac. -The board reviewed and approved new memberships.-The board reviewed and approved write-offs for February.-The board reviewed the Annual Meeting of the Member minutes for 2015.-The board approved the 2016 Annual Meeting of Members Official Notice.-The board approved a safety resolution.-The board reviewed the policy on the safety program, accident investigation and related training. -The board received a safety report and a member services report. -The board received a report of operations.-The board reviewed financial reports.-The board reviewed expenditures in detail.-The board heard director reports on NEP and AMEC.-The next board meeting has been set for June 27, 2016.

BALANCE SHEETAssets and Debits 2014 2015Electric Plant in Service $26,563,843 $27,834,371 Investments in Assoc. Organizations $5,028,568 $5,140,308 Investments in Subsidiary Companies $ 0.00 $ 0.00Investments in Economic Dev. Projects $265,141 $191,137 Cash and Temp. Investments $520,335 $424,946 Other Investments $25,921 $21,716 Accounts Receivable $1,214,980 $1,454,324 Materials and Supplies $246,207 $302,365 Other Assets $32,151 $20,440 Deferred Debits/Regulatory Assets $3,046,099 $2,841,088 Total Assets and Debits $36,943,245 $38,230,695 Liabilities and Other Credits Long-term Debt (RUS, CFC, FFB) $23,464,196 $23,281,895 Notes Payable $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Accounts Payable $689,124 $618,914 Memberships and Consumer Deposits $210,799 $230,909 Patronage Capital and Other Equities $12,261,476 $13,577,334 Other Current and Accrued Liabilities $317,550 $470,955 Deferred Credits $100 $50,688 Total Liabilities and Other Credits $36,943,245 $38,230,695

INCOME STATEMENTElectric Energy Revenue $12,600,145 $13,039,044 Cost of Purchased Power $5,674,456 $5,646,080 Distribution Expense-Operations $877,629 $920,519 Distribution Expense-Maintenance $1,292,576 $1,378,688 Consumer Accounts Expense $345,496 $408,466 Customer Service & Informational Exp. $43,490 $52,437 Sales Expense $73,499 $55,818 Administrative & General Expense $1,228,644 $1,239,047 Total Operational & Maintenance Expense $9,535,790 $9,701,055

Depreciation $1,211,654.00 $1,315,325.00 Tax expense-other $0.00 $3.00 Interest expense on long-term debt $854,609.00 $968,294.00 Interest expense other $10,476.00 $3,027.00 Other deductions $1,151.00 $0.00 Total Cost of Electric Service $11,613,680.00 $11,987,704 Patronage capital & operating margins $986,465.00 $1,051,340 Non-operating margins-interest $30,036.00 $29,641.00 Income (loss) from investments $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Non-operating margins-other $133,451.00 $21,418.00 G&T capital credits (not cash) $275,044.00 $233,939.00 Other capital credits $63,446.00 $92,611.00 Total Patronage Capital or Margins $1,488,442.00 $1,428,949.00

April 2016 2015 Wholesale Power Cost $445,217 $ $419,052Revenue $1,011,191 $964,456Operating Costs $1,025,116 $892,324Margins ($13,925) $72,132

Year to Date Totals 2016 2015Wholesale Power Costs $1,935,133 $1,968,827Revenue $4,754,111 $4,773,477Operating Costs $4,072,731 $4,080,685Margins $681,380 $692,792

Comparative Operating Report

The month of July has always been a favorite of mine. It’s the middle of summer, the kids are out of school and of course, we celebrate Independence Day! Typically on

the Fourth, we celebrate our nation’s independence with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, homemade ice cream and other sweet treats, and last but not least, fireworks. This is a time for fellowship with family and friends, but at Tri-County Electric, we also want to make sure our members focus on safety.

To ensure you have the best Fourth of July possible, we would like to remind you about a few important safety tips from The American Red Cross.

Nothing says “Fourth of July” like a spectacular fireworks display! The safest way to enjoy this part of the celebration is to head to a local fireworks show. But, if you want to put on your own show at home, be sure to follow these safety tips:

• Always follow the instructions on fireworks’ packaging and never give fireworks to

small children.

• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.

• Make sure to wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks.

• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or

flammable materials.

Cookouts are a great way to bring folks together on the Fourth. Whether you are grilling in

your back yard or at a community park, make sure your feast includes a generous portion

of fun and a side helping of safety! We recommend the following safety tips:

• Supervise your grill at all times.

• Use the proper tools for cooking on a grill.

• Never add charcoal starter fluid when the coals have already been ignited.

• Always follow the manufacturers instructions when using grills.

Fireworks and cookouts wouldn’t be complete without a sunny day. Here’s hoping we have

good weather, and if we do, make sure you are practicing sun safety:

• Use a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen and reapply often.

• Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Be on the lookout for signs of heat stroke (hot red skin; changes in consciousness;

rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing).

However you choose to celebrate, Tri-County Electric wishes you a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Plan for A Safe and Happy Fourth

May 2016 Board Report

A newsletter for members ofProviding energy for life.Tri-County Electric Cooperative

TO REPORT AN OUTAGE

Call Toll-Free888-457-3734

Local 660-457-3733

Before Calling:Check your breakers or fuses

Check to see if your neighbors have power

When calling be sure to have the following:

Your nameMember number

Location Which account (if you have

multiple accounts)

Tri-County Electric CooperativePO Box 159

Lancaster, MO 63548660-457-3733 or 888-457-3734

www.tricountyelectric.org

Board of DirectorsPresident-Mark VanDolah

Vice President-Harley HarrelsonSecretary-Dave KochTreasurer-Bill Triplett

Rusty AndersKelley Church

Kenny McNamarJoe Sebolt

Melody Whitacre

General ManagerJane Bahler-Hurt

EditorAlexandra Shetler

Tri-County Fee ScheduleLate Payment Fee $5.00

Meter Test Fee $30.00Returned Check Fee $30.00Collection Trip Fee $30.00Trip Fee for Member’s Side Outage

Office Hours $60.00After Hours $120.00

Reconnect FeeOffice Hours $120.00w/in 12 mos. $120.00After Hours $180.00

Dates To Observe: Office Closed

Independence Day : July 4th

Labor Day: September 5th

Too much water vapor in the air of your home — that’s humidity — promotes mold, mildew and other biological growth that can lead to serious building damage and promote allergic reactions, asthma attacks and even pneumonia. Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the amount the air can hold at a given temperature. Generally, we’re most comfortable in a 30 to 50 percent range. Two factors affect relative humidity: the amount of moisture in the air and the temperature of the air. Relative humidity increases when the amount of water vapor in the air increases or when the air temperature drops. The capacity of air to hold water changes with temperature. The warmer the air, the more water vapor it can hold. The colder the air, the less moisture it can hold. As the Missouri Department of Natural Resources explains, you feel cooler in a room at 75 degrees with 25 percent relative humidity than in a room at 75 degrees with 40 percent relative humidity. Consequently, in summer less humidity in the air makes you feel cooler, hence the use of dehumidifiers that remove excess moisture. In winter, more humidity in the air makes you feel warmer and less likely to raise the thermostat setting, hence the use of humidifiers that add moisture. You can measure the relative humidity with a humidity meter from a hardware store. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a sure sign of too much moisture is condensation on the inside of windows. Condensation occurs when the relative humidity of the air reaches 100 percent, and the water vapor in the air changes to water. According to DNR, most interior moisture comes from bathing, cleaning, cooking and water evaporation and emission.

Outside moisture enters through leaks in your home’s shell.

Now that it’s summer, here are some tips from DNR and the University of Florida Extension for removing moisture from your home: Look for the source – Check for stopped-up drains, leaky plumbing on washing machine hoses, showers and water heaters. Look for outdoor air coming in through windows, doors, electric outlets, air conditioning units. For the latter, make sure the filter is not clogged and the evaporator cooling coils are not iced over. To correct problems:• Weatherstrip and caulk to fix leaks in and around the roof, walls, windows, doors, outlets, air conditioning units and pipes• Add ventilation fans in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry rooms, and vent your clothes dryer to the outside• Use exhaust fans about 10 minutes to remove moisture and odors after bathing or showering• During humid weather, run your air conditioning regularly but if the nighttime low is forecasted to be 55 degrees or below, open windows • Properly vent attic and crawlspaces, and cover exposed earth in crawlspaces with a vapor barrier• Install downspouts that flow away from the foundation • Slope the grade of the ground away from the house• If you have single-pane windows, install storm panels, double-pane insulating glass or triple-glazed panels• Repair stopped-up drains and leaky plumbing, hoses, shower tile grout and water heaters• Look for outdoor air coming in through windows, doors, outlets and air conditioning units• Reduce the number of house plants and pilot lights

Humidity And How To Get Rid Of It

CHAIRMAN

SECRETARY