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Summary of 2025 Proposed Bylaw Changes

The Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board of Trustees is proposing updates to the cooperative’s bylaws in order to provide greater consideration in how board districts are established and adjusted.  These proposed changes are designed to better ensure fair and effective representation for all members as our cooperative evolves and grows.

Proposed Changes to Article IV – Sections 1, 2 and 3 Regarding Board Members and Districting

At present, the Board of Trustees has the authority and responsibility to modify district boundaries, but it is based solely on the number of members in each district.  There is no opportunity for the Board of Trustees to consider other important factors that help ensure fair representation of the membership.

Key Points of the Proposed Changes:
  • The Board of Trustees will continue to have the authority to review and modify district boundaries, but they will be guided by additional factors and considerations, including:
    • Urban and rural considerations
    • Types of members, e.g. residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal
    • Geographic area
    • Land use
    • The number of members in each district
  • Members will be notified of any changes to board district boundaries at the next member meeting following such changes.
  • Additionally, upon a future acquisition or loss of service territory, the Board of Trustees will have the authority to change the number of trustees if necessary to ensure equitable representation; however, the number of trustees shall never be less than 9 or more than 10.

These changes are intended to keep board representation balanced and responsive to the cooperative’s changing membership and service area, while ensuring transparency and ongoing communication with all members.

Proposed Changes to Article IV – Section 5 Regarding Nominations

The proposed changes are minor in nature, intended to clarify that an eligible member may only be nominated and placed on the ballot for election in one district in any year.

Members with questions regarding these changes may call Pioneer Electric’s corporate office at 620-356-1211 during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

A full redlined version of the changes can be found here.