Small Change Makes A BIG Difference

On February 28, 2006, the Sawnee Foundation granted $13,237 in funds to four (4) more local charitable organizations through its “Operation Round Up” program.  SEMC members participating in this not-for-profit foundation round up their electric bill to the next highest dollar in support of local charities.  In turn, 100% of the funds received is given to local non-profit 501 (c)(3) and or 501 (c)(4) organizations.  These “pennies” make a big difference in meeting the needs of our communities.  If you have not done so, please sign up today.  Contact our Call Center at (770) 887-2363 to join the thousands who “round up” their electric bill each month.

Notice of Capital Patronage Credit Assignments

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is a “non-profit” organization and as such our Bylaws require us to set aside, for each member in each operating year, any funds in excess of operating costs and expenses in the form of “patronage capital” credits.

This “patronage capital” is used as equity to reduce the level of debt or borrowings the Corporation would otherwise be required to acquire and is invested in the assets of the Corporation, which include physical assets such as poles, transformers and other plant items.  The Corporation’s policies currently allow for the retirement of patronage capital generally on a thirty-five (35) year rotation cycle, as well as upon demand retirement to estates of deceased members.

Based on the capital furnished by the members of the Corporation in the year 2005, these members will receive an allocation based on this revenue equaling 0.8683% from Sawnee EMC operations and 0.0819% from margins that are assigned to us from associated organizations such as GRESCO, one of our material suppliers; NRUCFC, one of our lending institutions, and others.

You can calculate your “patronage capital” credits assigned by multiplying the total amount of your electric bills for 2005 by the factors shown below (see examples):

If you have questions about your 2005 patronage capital assignment, please contact our Customer Call Center at (770) 887-2363.

Committee on Nominations for the Board of Directors

The Committee on Nominations, which serves an important role in the affairs of the Cooperative, will soon be appointed.  This Committee will receive input from the membership and will place before the membership the name(s) of those member(s) who seek election to the office of Director for the terms that are expiring in 2006.  For 2006, three (3) directors of Sawnee’s Board in Districts No. 1, No. 4 and No. 6 have terms that are expiring.

The Bylaws of the Corporation in Article IV Sections 4.02, 4.04, 4.05 and 4.09 outline the director election process, specifically as it relates to the Committee on Nominations and a separate process known as the Petition Process, for the directors’ districts whose terms will be expiring.  Additionally, the Bylaws describe the general powers of the directors.

Located on our Web site is a list of information and downloadable documents that relate to the director elections for 2006.  The address is www.sawnee.com.  There you will find a complete copy of the Bylaws of the Corporation that can be downloaded along with many other useful items for those interested in this year’s director election activity.