In order to continue offering a safe and efficient facility for members to access and in which employees can work, the current building would need a great deal of updating, along with a number of costly repairs to alleviate chronic issues related to an aging structure. Building costs continue to rise 6-8% every year, so trying to patch a building together for another 10 years means we could pay over $40 million in 10 years.

The BEC board’s decision to construct a new building was based on several concerns:

1. The expense of continuing to repair persistent issues that have become cost-prohibitive.
2. The need for a safe and secure environment for employees as well as members.
3. The growth of the cooperative has resulted in outgrowing the building, which has been added onto several times since it was originally built in 1952. One example is equipment used today measures 9’11” and our garage doors are 10’, making it very difficult to park the vehicles.
4. The need for improved functionality for both members and employees.
5. Current and future needs for collaboration spaces and technology.

Yes. The new building will be constructed on the portion of the property that currently serves as BEC’s Community Solar and back parking lot. This allows the current building to remain open and be available for our members to access during construction. This also allows for the most efficient construction process which saves BEC money over the alternative of trying to build around or remodel a space that has to remain open to the public. BEC’s employees will be relatively free of construction interruptions during their workday and the construction workers will be relatively free of us!

After nearly two years of studying and vetting the multiple options and proposals, the Board selected a local general contractor, Coil Construction of Columbia, to manage the project. Subcontractors for the building phase will be able to bid for the construction phases through Coil, but with BEC’s Board of Directors giving final approval.

The building project cost is $25 million, with scheduled completion in the summer of 2022.

The board did review that as an option. There would have been several added expenses including land costs, infrastructure development, and the need to close the office to move which were not feasible for the cooperative. We feel we are established in the best area that also has centralized accessibility to our entire membership.

Construction will take about 30 months once the architecture and design phases are complete. The project is expected to be completed by summer of 2022.

This is a substantial amount of money to invest in our future and we will need a modest rate increase to finance the project. We announced a 5.21% revenue increase in January 2020 that would go into effect on April 1, 2020. For the average member (1,100 kWh/month), about $4.50 of the $6.65 increase to their bill is for the investment in the headquarters building and renovation plan.
See article in the February Rural Missouri.

Yes, that is our goal. BEC has a 60-year history of returning capital credits to its members. It is a priority for our board.

The community solar panels will be relocated to the south side of the property and will give us the opportunity to expand the number of solar panels.

Yes. Along with this page on the BEC website, details about the new building as they become available will be provided in many ways – this includes articles in the Rural Missouri Extra, our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube) and through local media/newspapers. You are also welcome to contact BEC directly by phone at 573-449-4181 or fill out our online form if you have a specific question. We will do our best to ensure that you are kept informed – especially of anything that directly impacts you during the building process.

No. The membership votes on the board of directors and bylaw additions or amendments at the annual meeting. Your elected board members are then tasked with making these types of decisions for the good of the cooperative. This topic was discussed by President Joel Bullard during his 2019 Annual Meeting address.

Yes, in its current location until the final demolition phase begins. A new, convenient drive-up payment location will open once the entire project is complete.

Yes, we will be open for business during the entire period.

It will be available until demolition starts to occur. We will notify the organizations who normally reserve it in advance of its closing date and also announce on our website and social media channels.