The governing body of the Cooperative is a nine-member board of trustees. The board meets monthly to decide policies, review Cooperative business and activities, and make decisions affecting the entire Cooperative. It also approves contracts, reviews operations and financial statements, and approves all patronage capital payments (capital credits).
The Cooperative's service territory is divided into nine districts so representation may be given to all geographic areas. Each district is represented by one board member. All trustees are members of the Cooperative and must reside in the district they represent. Trustees cannot be employed or financially interested in a competing business of selling electricity, or electrical supplies or appliances to the Cooperative itself or to its members. Each year, three board members are elected by and from the membership to serve a three-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms served by a board member.
To learn more about board member responsibilities, view our Trustee Handbook.
2023 Board of Trustees Election
Three board seats are up for election in 2023 - District 6 (Reily Township), District 7 (Hanover and St. Clair townships), and District 8 (Harrison and Morgan townships) . Members who live in these districts can run for and be elected to serve on the board of trustees.
Board of Trustees Voting
Cooperative members elect three trustees each year to serve a three-year term. Members vote for trustees each year before the annual meeting and the election results are announced at the annual meeting. The 2023 annual meeting is Thursday, April 27. Members can vote for one trustee in each district up for election. Members can vote online or by mail and will receive voting information in the mail in April. There will be no voting at the annual meeting.
Board of Trustees Responsibilities
The board of trustees manages the business and affairs of the cooperative. Trustees represent fellow members and meet each month to set policies and approve budgets. Board members attend a monthly board meeting that is conducted at the cooperative’s office on the last Wednesday of each month. The meetings begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 1 p.m. Board members are active in their communities, attend many of the cooperative’s events, and are highly encouraged to attend other meetings and training opportunities throughout the year.
How to Become a Trustee
As a member of the cooperative, you have the opportunity to run for and be elected to serve on the board of trustees when your district’s seat is up for election. Members who live in one of the districts up for election will receive a trustee interest form in the mail. Members who live in these districts will also receive an email (if available) containing a link to a trustee interest form.
If your board seat is up for election and you are interested in becoming a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative trustee, fill out the Trustee Interest Form below. Once the cooperative has received your completed online form or your trustee interest form, you will be sent a handbook that details board member requirements and responsibilities and an in-depth candidate information form within two weeks.
