LUB/ARPA Award Student Scholarships

The February 2013 financial report for Lamar Light and Power was presented to utility board members during their meeting, Tuesday, May 14.    Total operating revenue for February is $992,696 with operating costs of $800,987 for a gross operating profit of $191,710.  The net income for the month was $58,968.    Year to date operating revenues for 2013 are $2,052,198 and operating costs are $1,736,957 for a gross operating income of $315,241.  Year to date net income is $40,754. 

Seven bids were received to update stock inventory for light fixtures used for street and yard lighting.  Western Electric submitted the low bid of $3,549 for approximately 60 light fixtures. 

The board received 13 applications for LUB/ARPA scholarships this year with nine from Wiley, three from Lamar and one from McClave High School.  Arkansas River Power Authority and Lamar Utilities Board donate $500 apiece to the top three students.  This year the students selected are:  Sami Hourieh from Lamar, Teri Johnsen from Wiley and Tausha Sniff from McClave.  Student information received by the judging panel was anonymous and based on academic records and community support activities. 

The utility board went into executive session to discuss continuing litigation with WildEarth Guardians and the status of the Lamar Repowering project.  Light Plant Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh, noted that although plans for testing boiler modifications on the coal plant had been scheduled for later this summer, a possibility exists they may be delayed.  Hourieh stated that the negotiations with boiler manufacturer, Babcock & Wilcox, regarding financial responsibility for the modification project are on-going and until they are resolved, the tests will not be conducted.

By Russ Baldwin