Lamar Utilities Board meeting of May 27, 2025

Board President Doug Thrall was not present for the May 27 meeting, nor was board member Elmer Grett.  In Thrall’s absence, Vice-Chairman Jay Brooke was in charge of the meeting.  Purchase orders 630878 through 630908 were approved unanimously.  Total cost of all purchase orders was $16,520.67.  The largest purchase order was for $3,180.45 to BSI Components and Repair for a pitch controller.  Payment of bills was also approved unanimously, totaling $673,571.17.  ARPA was paid $567,658.17 for electricity, while Renew Energy Maintenance, LLC received $31,768.69. Other significant bills were from Havok, LLC for $5,287.50, SD Myers LLC for $7,691 and Transwest Truck Trailer RV for $1,52.88.

Bid #2063 for ductile iron poles was awarded to McWane, who bid $113,726.56.  The bid was far lower than the other 3 companies who submitted bids.  This bid is for Class II ductile iron poles to replenish stock inventory.  The poles vary in size from 45 to 70 feet and will be used to maintain the 69kv transmission line.  Bid #2064 was awarded to Western United in the amount of $16,678.33.  This bid was for a variety of line materials for stock inventory.

Superintendent Hourieh presented the April Financial Statement. There were no significant changes to the balance sheet.  Cash is down $33,312 from March and accounts receivable decreased by $18,978.  Total operating revenue for the month is $1,041,224 with operating costs of $997,941 resulting in a gross operating income of $43,283.  When the non-operating revenues and expenses are taken into consideration, there is a net loss for the month of $141,918.  Year to date operating revenues are $4,507,401 and total operating costs are $3,633,317 resulting in gross operating income of $874,084.  When non-operating revenues and expenses are taken into consideration, there is a net income of $167,310 for the year to date.  Compared to last year, revenues from retail sales are up approximately $60,968 (1%) comparing April of 2025 to April of 2024.  Overall operating expenses are down approximately $385,829 (10%), resulting in a net income of $167,310 for the year.

Superintendent Hourieh’s System Operating Report stated that the line crew completed the installation of a new underground 5kv single-phase primary line at 2402 S. Main Street.  It will power a 100 KVA 120/240v pad-mount transformer.  The new service will power a level II EV charging station for CDOT.  The crew reconductored two blocks of #6cu neutral wire with #4 ACSR on South 12^th Street.  With SD Myers on site, the substation crew completed the annual system transformers oil testing.  The routine oil testing checks for dissolved gases and moisture content in the transformer oil, in addition to particle counts in the load tap changers (LTCs).  The testing included substations, wind turbines, and all major transformers in the distribution system.  A complete testing results report will be provided by SD Myers.  This a proactive approach to improve system reliability and efficiency.

The next meeting for the Lamar Utilities Board will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at noon.

By: Barbara Crimond