2025 Annual Membership Meeting and Election Recap
March 20, 2025
DeBerry Water Supply Corporation Annual Meeting Recap
On March 1, 2025, DeBerry Water Supply Corporation (DWSC) held its annual meeting at the DeBerry Fire Department. We were thrilled to see such a great turnout for our first annual meeting and meal in years!
A huge thank you to Josh Burns-Farmers Insurance, DeBerry Fire Department, EF Fire Department (extra chairs) and our dedicated members Betty and David Bryant, Tammy and Tom Walters, Donnie and Michelle Tynan, our current Board of Directors along with many others who generously donated their time, money, and cooking to make the event a success.
Board Elections & Membership Votes
During the meeting, board member elections were held, and we are pleased to welcome Kathy Yates as the newest board member. We are grateful to Tammy Walters for the last year she has spent serving on the board and look forward to her staying involved as a member. Additionally, the membership voted on two key measures:
- Future annual meetings will now be held on the first Saturday in March.
- DWSC will adopt the most recent USDA bylaws.
Out of 210 eligible voting members, over 80 participated and cast their votes. We appreciate everyone who took the time to be involved in these important decisions. Please remember that to be eligible to vote, you must own the land your meter is on and have the membership in your name.
System Updates from Our Water Operators
Our Water Operator, Galen Coleman, along with his wife Shelly and sons Gaylen Jr. and Chris Coleman, attended the meeting. Mr. Coleman provided an update on the current state of the water system and future plans to restore and improve it to the standard our community deserves. He asked for patience as he works to address issues that have been neglected for years. Mr. Coleman expressed his pride in serving the community and reassured members of his and his family's commitment to making necessary repairs and improvements.
Financial Overview & Grant Applications
Board President Sara Edwards reviewed DWSC’s year-to-date financials from Bookkeeper Morgan Irvin, showing an income of $18,000, primarily due to grants we have secured. Without these grants, DWSC would have ended the year in the red once again.
She also updated members on nine additional grant applications currently submitted to the state. While we are hopeful, Sara reminded everyone that we are still in the waiting phase. If any applications are selected, we will then proceed with a more in-depth application process.
Building Community & Looking Forward
Although the meeting was centered on DWSC updates, it was also an opportunity to connect as neighbors. The day was filled with great conversations, good food, and a sense of community, reinforcing the importance of coming together beyond just discussing water.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this meeting a success. We look forward to seeing even more members next year as we continue to grow and strengthen our community.
Thank you for being a part of DWSC, and we can’t wait to see you at next year’s annual meeting!
Members are also welcome to attend and speak at any regular board meeting. These meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6pm at the DeBerry Fire Department.
Please make sure to sign up for Alerts on our website using your phone or email address to stay informed of the latest news. These alerts are available to anyone and are not restricted to members only.
Thank you,
DWSC Board of Directors
