Summary of May’s board meeting

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Posted on Jul 31 2026 in Decatur County REMC

Call to order

Chairman Steve AmRhein called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

All directors were present. Also in attendance were CEO Brett Abplanalp, Crystal Greathouse, and Matt Raver.

Approval of agenda

Suzanne Parmer moved to approve the agenda. Dale Wernke seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

PowerStream Fiber marketing

Crystal Greathouse presented to the board an update on the marketing plan for PowerStream Fiber.

Safety moment and cool moment

A safety moment was presented by Abplanalp, who noted that May is recognized as National Electrical Safety Month and emphasized the importance of heightened awareness during the current storm season.

For the cool moment, Abplanalp highlighted the upcoming Youth Tour and shared insights from his recent trip to Washington, D.C.

For your information

Open and closed action items, AX charges, check register, and safety reports were reviewed for April.

Approval of previous meeting minutes

Jason Barnhorst moved to approve the minutes of the April 22, 2026, board meeting. Brian Scheidler seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

Operational and strategic oversight

Abplanalp provided updates on PowerStream Fiber and progress on the construction work plan. He presented the 2025 write-offs and reviewed key performance indicators, including the board-approved monthly metrics. Abplanalp also introduced a budget request to purchase a fiber bucket truck, which will enable internal fiber technicians to perform field work and reduce reliance on contractors, resulting in cost savings. In addition, he presented a risk-based purchase strategy to procure Phase II materials in advance, addressing long lead times and anticipated cost increases associated with future BEAD program demand.

Parmer moved to approve the 2025 write-offs totaling $3,525. Barnhorst seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

Wernke moved to approve the budget for the purchase of a fiber bucket truck. Parmer seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

Wernke moved to approve the purchase of Phase II materials for the fiber project. Scheidler seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

Financial oversight

Raver presented the April 2026 financial report to the board, including:

  • Financial statements for Decatur County REMC
  • Financial statements for electric plant only
  • Financial statements for PowerStream Fiber.

Governing document approval

The board reviewed prior redlined revisions to Policy 1-7: Director Education. In addition, the board reviewed the following policies with no material changes: Policy 11-13: Identity Theft Red Flag; Policy 4-8: Energy Rate Design; Policy 10-9: Employee Retirement; Policy 10-8: Employee Education; Policy 10-5: Employee Vacations; Policy 10-2: Hours of Work and Rates of Pay; and Policy 3-2: Statement of Functions for REMC Attorney.

Parmer moved to approve the policies as reviewed. Scheidler seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

Governance

Parmer nominated Scheidler to serve as director of Hometown Energy. With no additional nominations, Scheidler was elected to the position.

Scheidler nominated Raver to serve as the CFC voting delegate. With no additional nominations, Raver was elected as the CFC voting delegate.

Scheidler nominated Barnhorst to serve as the NCSC voting delegate. With no additional nominations, Barnhorst was elected as the NCSC voting delegate.

Wernke appointed Donna Kreutzjans as District 6 Roundup trustee for her first one-year term.

AmRhein appointed Jennifer McNealy as District 4 Roundup trustee.

Scheidler appointed Craig Koors as District 5 Roundup trustee.

Nobbe appointed Becky Metz as District 3 Roundup trustee.

Barnhorst appointed Joyce Holtkamp as District 7 Roundup trustee.

Affiliated organizations/ board committees

AmRhein provided IEC updates, and Barnhorst gave Hoosier Energy updates. 

Adjournment

Scheidler moved to adjourn the meeting. Nobbe seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m., after which the board entered executive session.