Position Opens on Lamar Utility Board

Leo Hernandez, Lamar Utility Board member, indicated he is stepping down from his seat, now that his term has expired. “I can attend some future meetings for a while,” he explained, but stated he is not considering an additional term.  The board will make arrangements to advertise the position to the area. Board members meet twice a month at noon on the Tuesday following the Lamar City Council meetings.

The monthly financial report from Light Plant Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh, showed that cash is up $189,012 from May and accounts receivable increased by $79,155. June’s operating revenue is $1,185,990, with operating costs of $1,176,354 which presents a gross operating income of $9,636.

2017 year-to-date operating revenues are $6,841,461, and total operating costs are $5,705,552 which shows a gross operating income of $1,135,909. The year-to-date net income is $345,602 with non-operating revenues and expenses factored into the balance.

Compared to last year at this time, retail sales revenues are up 9% or $564,144 compared to June of 2017 and overall operating expenses are up approximately 8%, or $407,443 for a net income of $345,602 for the year.

Hourieh told the board that the southern half of Lamar was impacted by a power outage on Saturday, July 15th when a direct lightning strike to the plant’s LAMSO substation south of town caused differential protection relays to operate and trip the entire substation.  There were no damages to the site and power, which went out at approximately 6:55pm due to the storm, was restored by 7:30pm.  The storm also broke a power pole near the Shady Camp area east of Lamar which affected eight customers.

By Russ Baldwin

Filed Under: City of LamarConsumer IssuesFeaturedPublic SafetyUtilitiesWeather

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