Notice

Your Cooperative earned a margin in fiscal year 2007 / 2008.  Therefore, each member will be allocated $0.29 [allocation factor 0.2922635328] for each dollar spent on applicable services during the same fiscal year. 

Capital Credits are not being retired at this time.

Q:  What are Patronage Allocations?

A:  Tele-Media Solutions [a/k/a Washington County Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc.] was formed in 1953 as a not-for-profit cooperative.  Whenever revenues exceed the cost of doing business (expenses), the Cooperative has earned “margins” (profits).  Each year, all margins earned are allocated or assigned to Tele-Media Solutions members in proportion to the patronage amount each member paid for service(s) during that year.   Each member is sent a patronage allocation notice each year.  Patronage allocations that are distributed or retired are called Capital Credits.

Q:  How can I determine my Patronage Allocation?

A:  The amount of your patronage allocation, and future capital credit distributions for the fiscal year July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 can be determined by multiplying the total amount you paid for service(s) during this fiscal year, times the allocation factor listed in the notice above.

Q:  When will I be paid my Capital Credits?

A:  The Cooperative cannot pay back to its members all of the assigned patronage allocations at one time since an equity level must be maintained to continue supporting operations and to meet financial requirements of the Cooperative.  Therefore, each year the Board of Directors, elected by our members, reviews our financial position and determines how much the Cooperative can retire in capital credits to its members.  Assigned patronage allocations are the “margins” (profits) proportioned to each member for future retirement.  Upon retirement, distribution by the Board of Directors has been approved and a check is issued to you in the form of a capital credit.  To date, Capital Credits have been retired for the years 1960 thru 1990. 

Q:  What happens to the Capital Credits of a member who is deceased?

A:  The capital credits of a deceased member may be paid without waiting for a general retirement.  However, these payments are not automatic.  A representative of the estate must complete an Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property form and provide a copy of the death certificate.  A check will be issued to the estate. You can obtain a form at the Cooperative's business office or request a form by telephone, fax or e-mail.         

Q:  Will I still get retired Capital Credits if I no longer subscribe to the Cooperative's service(s):

A:  Yes.  However, it is important that you keep the Cooperative informed of your current address so that you will receive your check when funds are retired.