McLeod Co-op Power members gathered at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson on July 14 for the cooperative’s 2026 Annual Meeting. The event provided an opportunity to conduct cooperative business, elect directors, review the past year and recognize 90 years of service.
DIRECTOR ELECTION RESULTS
Board President Doug Kirtz called the meeting to order, and Secretary-Treasurer Susan Anderson confirmed that a quorum was present and read the official Notice of the Annual Meeting.
Members elected directors in three districts. Kirk Newman was elected in District 1, Jeff Kosek was elected in District 2 and Dave Resch was elected in District 3. Each director will serve a three-year term.
District 1
Kirk Newman
District 2
Jeff Kosek
District 3
Dave Resch
SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Operation Round Up Trust Board Member Cheryl Bielke shared an update on the program’s impact. This year, 36 organizations applied for funding, and 29 projects received a combined $28,000. Since Operation Round Up began in 2004, nearly $350,000 has been awarded to local organizations. The program is funded by participating members who voluntarily round their electric bills up to the next whole dollar.
FINANCIAL AND SYSTEM UPDATES
Manager of Finance Steph Jakel presented the cooperative’s financial report and compared 2025 results with the previous year. Because operating margins were above zero, members received an allocation for 2025.
Jakel also discussed the cost of maintaining a safe and reliable electric system. Tree trimming remains the cooperative’s largest annual expense at approximately $460,000. Maintaining clear rights-of-way helps reduce outages, improve crew access and protect the public from electrical hazards.
Approximately $300,000 in capital credits was returned to members. Capital credits represent each member’s share of the cooperative’s margins and are returned over time as the cooperative’s financial condition allows.
Steph Jakel, Manager of Finance
LOOKING AHEAD
CEO Ronald Meier reviewed highlights from 2025 and reflected on the cooperative’s history of providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity. He discussed investments in the regional transmission system to support future reliability.
Meier provided an overview of the Time-of-Day Demand rate and explained how shifting electricity use away from higher demand hours may help members manage their monthly bills. Members also had an opportunity to ask questions. Following the meeting, attendance prizes were awarded, and Chef Craig served a meal to 315 members and guests.
Thank you to everyone who attended, voted and participated. Member involvement is an important part of the cooperative difference and helps guide McLeod Co-op Power into the future.
