|
|
Published March 04, 2008 11:20 pm - CARTHAGE, Mo. — It’s been more than a year since former Chief Executive Officer Jim Fanning retired from the Barton County Electric Cooperative, but his name was still on the lips of nearly every member who had questions for the co-op’s current leadership during a regional meeting Tuesday night in Carthage.
Co-op members still seeking answers
By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
CARTHAGE, Mo. — It’s been more than a year since former Chief Executive Officer Jim Fanning retired from the Barton County Electric Cooperative, but his name was still on the lips of nearly every member who had questions for the co-op’s current leadership during a regional meeting Tuesday night in Carthage.
The meeting was one of three the cooperative is conducting for its 6,400 members in Barton, Jasper, Dade and Vernon counties.
While the co-op recently was awarded a reimbursement from Fanning at a binding-arbitration hearing in Springfield, many of the questions focused on conducting another forensic audit to determine whether more money could be recovered from the former CEO.
Arbitrators ruled in January that Fanning should reimburse the co-op more than $112,000, but some of the members at Tuesday night’s meeting asked if that was all for which he could be held accountable.
“If the forensic audit is done,” asked one member, “can we expect more recovery from Mr. Fanning?”
The co-op’s attorney, Rod Widger, said he’s not optimistic about the chances of further reimbursement.
“The auditors don’t get into judgment calls,” he said. “All they can tell you is was it booked correctly.”
The co-op was seeking the return of more than $183,000 after an audit last year stated that nearly $300,000 in member funds was used to pay for improvements to the home of Fanning and his wife, Cheryl.
Current CEO Bobbi Jeffries told members that the co-op expects to be paid in full on Thursday.
The co-op’s board of directors initially signed off on a work order for improvements to the home, including a Smart Home technology system, valued at more than $113,000. Several other purchases, including appliances, entertainment equipment, and plumbing and bathroom fixtures, were invoiced to the co-op by the Fannings.
Board president Douglas Haile said events like Tuesday night’s meeting are evidence that the co-op is moving in a new direction.
“We desire to be open to you as members,” he said. “We realize you own the co-op, and we work for you.”
Jeffries said after the meeting that the co-op has received one offer to conduct a forensic audit of numerous departments and aspects of the operation during Fanning’s tenure as chief executive. The firm proposing the offer, BKD Inc. of Springfield, conducted the audit that Jeffries requested after Fanning resigned in January 2007.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
Announcements



: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
|
|
2002 KIA OPTIMA EX
4 door, sharp, loaded, leather, CD, sunroof, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
TOYOTA 2004 TACOMA PRERUNNER
Toyota, 2004 Tacoma Prerunner, TRD off road, double cab, V6, new tires, CD, bed liner, lid cover, 100,000 miles, excelle...>MORE
1999 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED
4x4, leather loaded, $3500. 417-850-0731....>MORE
2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE
Sport, loaded, all options, great looking van, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
1993 CHEVROLET LONG BED
runs good, 4.3 V6, new transmission, needs body parts, $400. (417)438-2508...>MORE
2002 FORD TAURUS SE
nice car, 3.0 liter V6, $2900. 417-850-0731....>MORE
2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
4 door, luxury leather trim, loaded, CD, sunroof, beautiful rig, extra nice, $4500. 1317 Schifferdecker...>MORE
JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE SPORT
JEEP, 2000 Cherokee Sport, 6 1/2” lift, 35” foggers, locked front end, welded rear end, off road use, winch not included...>MORE
1989 CHEVROLET STEPSIDE
350, V8, custom flames, runs great, $2500. 417-208-6717...>MORE
HONDA, 2007 FIT SPORT,
customized interior package, automatic, air, AM/FM/CD, cruise, great mpg, low miles, excellent condition, $11,800. (417)...>MORE
See all ads |
|
Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE
NEWER 3 BR/2 BA
Lots of upgrades and great location. $149,000 but all offers considered. 903 Katlin, Carl Junction. Pictures www.fsboloc...>MORE
See all ads |
|
ANGUS HEIFERS
6 Augus heifers, good foundation stock. (417)358-7519...>MORE
POODLES
POODLES, standard pups, born 10/10, registered, shots, wormed, family raised. Adorable personalities! 417-673-3892....>MORE
MALTESE PUPPIES ADORABLE!!
6 weeks old Thanksgiving. 2 boys and 2 girls. Shots, wormed, and vet checked. Healthy, active, and loved! Great Ch...>MORE
5TH WHEEL
5TH WHEEL, 2004 Prowler Regal, 26’, 2 slides, loaded, nice. (620)674-2127....>MORE
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES, 35% Civil War II nickels, V nickels, Buffalo nickels, lots of other coins. Garage full of antiques ...>MORE
POODLE, FULL BLOODED
POODLE, full blooded, $75 or best offer. (417)385-8710 after 4:30 p.m....>MORE
YORKIES
12 weeks old, 2 males, AKC, 1st shots, $175. 417-291-6590, Webb City...>MORE
(2) TEACUP CHIHUAHUA
APRI puppies. (417)673-1997....>MORE
DIAMOND SOLITAIRE
Pear-shaped, one carat, diamond solitaire in gold setting. $2,000. Please call 417-825-3238...>MORE
NEW IN BOX
New in box, Lucchese cowboy boots, black, size 9D, $200. (620)231-9256...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|