The proposed amendment deletes the last paragraph of Article I, Section 1, Qualifications and Obligations, and adds new language to allow joint memberships.
This amendment will come before the membership at the annual meeting as recommended by the MTEMC board of directors and its Policy and Bylaws Committee. A copy of the complete MTEMC bylaws is available on request from your local office and is also posted online at www.MTEMC.com. Votes can be cast on this proposed amendment at the annual meeting and during early voting — running Aug. 5 through 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. — at local MTEMC offices.
The proposed change is in blue italics:
Summary of Proposed Bylaw Change Enabling Joint Memberships
The proposed bylaw amendment enables married persons to hold a joint membership and access the account accordingly. This amendment is recommended by the MTEMC Board of Directors and its Policy and Bylaws Committee. This proposal amends Article I, Section I of the Bylaws.
ARTICLE I. Members
SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS AND OBLIGATIONS
There shall be no joint memberships and any existing joint memberships are hereby abolished. A husband and wife who previously held joint membership shall be an individual member with the name of the spouse first appearing on the Cooperative membership account roll being the individual member in which said membership shall be held unless the former joint members notify the Cooperative otherwise in writing.
Married persons who each qualify to be Members may hold a joint membership in the Cooperative (“Joint Membership”), each hereinafter referred to as a “Joint Member.” Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, a Joint Member has and enjoys the rights, benefits and privileges, and is subject to the obligations, requirements and liabilities, of being a Member. Joint Members are jointly and severally liable for complying with these Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations. Notice provided to one Joint Member constitutes notice to both Joint Members. If one Joint Member votes on a matter; signs a petition, consent, waiver or other document; or otherwise acts, then the vote, signature or action binds the related Joint Members and constitutes one vote, signature or action. Upon divorce or other permanent legal separation, if one Joint Member remains qualified to be a Member and continues to use electric service at the same location, then the Joint Membership converts to a single membership with all rights, benefits, privileges, obligations, requirements and liabilities associated with membership attaching to such person.
