Flathead Electric Co-op proposes bylaw changes

The Flathead Electric Co-op is proposing a couple of bylaw changes and has three people running uncontested for three open seats.

In District 1, which includes Columbia Falls and the Canyon, Stacey Schnebel is running unopposed after 18-year veteran Chris Byrd has decided not to seek re-election.

Schnebel owns the Stonefly Lounge in Coram and is active in a variety of community organizations, including the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Trapline Association board. She is president of both. Also running unopposed is Doug Grob and attorney Bruce Measure. Board members are not paid a salary, but do get health insurance and are paid a $308 per diem rate for full-day meetings and $205 for half-day meetings.

The bylaw changes include requiring a nomination for a board member from five days to 12 days prior to the annual meeting.

That gives the Co-op more time to prepare ballots and for people to know who is running prior to the annual meeting.

The other bylaw change requires that retired capital credits be given to a natural person and exempts businesses, corporations, partnerships and any other business entity authorized to conduct business by the state of Montana.

Ballots were mailed out to Co-op members recently and must be returned by Friday, April 8.