West Richland Complex Information & Comments Form

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In 2021, Benton REA purchased 17 acres of land for future development. The land is located in West Richland on Cooperative Way, just off Keene Road.

 

Aging facilities require improvements in both West Richland and Prosser. 

  • Increase costs to address maintenance and repair issues 
  • Current HVAC failing - increased frequency of service calls and cost 
  • Electrical issues causing internal loss of power, overloading circuits 
  • Run down facilities due to age and increased traffic 

 

All members benefit from future property improvements. 

  • West Richland complex results in several properties in Prosser and West Richland that are surplus and can be sold 
  • District office and crew will remain in the Prosser area to serve members closer to it
  • Will consolidate district office facilities and eliminate crews stopping at 2-4 locations to get material before they leave for the outage or job site  
  • Operational efficiencies result in more work time, faster response time = better service
  • Improves service to everyone, not just those closer to West Richland 

 

All comments will be posted on this site for members to view. Please refrain from using profane language. All comments will be reviewed for such language prior to posting.

Community Comments

Peter Cole

In reading the comments from Chuck Dawsey and John Porter this expense and move seems to not be in the best interests of the membership.

It produces no new electricity, raises rates, and represents a gigantic expense when one is not needed.

If REA were to Improve access control systems (or it could purchase comparatively cheap available land in Prosser to have one large yard), if it were to remodel buildings, if it was to get a new roof and HVAC, and if it gave employees performance bonuses, etc. the membership would still come out WAY ahead financially - which is the ENTIRE purpose of having a Co-op structure.

I cannot support a plan that builds a brand new complex that will increase rates across the board with no significant impact to our services other than to raise costs. I’ve been, and remain, nothing but a fan of the co-op structure since joining over 15 years ago. Benton REA should be a pretty boring and staid enterprise that contributes to all of the rural areas that it serves. This move is the first one I’ve seen that raises any questions.

I would expect a revolt from the membership at the annual meeting. Maybe have extra cookies for that one.