membership
Membership
Welcome to the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System Membership information page. We are delighted that you are considering joining our community. Membership offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to participate in a project vital to a large portion of eastern South Dakota. Below, we outline membership benefits, the application process, and the roles and responsibilities of being a member.
Membership Investment
As a Dakota Mainstem member, rates and/or dues structures will be put in place to cover the cost for development. Dakota Mainstem will actively pursue grants and funding mechanisms to keep these amounts as minimal as possible. Rates and/or dues structures will be reviewed, approved, and authorized by the DM Board of Directors.
Membership Benefits
As a Dakota Mainstem member, you will be eligible to appoint a director to the board, ensuring your water system's voice is heard in decision-making processes. In cases where the primary director cannot attend a meeting, our bylaws allow an alternate director to be appointed, safeguarding your representation.
Our organizational structure includes regular board meetings every four months, complemented by an Annual Meeting in February or March. Additionally, a smaller elected executive committee meets monthly to oversee day-to-day operations, allowing the Board to focus on broader strategic issues.
Inclusion in Initial Studies
Early membership ensures inclusion in pivotal initial studies, such as the "Appraisal Study" and "Feasibility Study." These studies are critical in shaping the future and direction of Dakota Mainstem, and your timely membership ensures your water system's needs and capabilities are considered. Be aware that there will be a point when inclusion in these studies will be closed to new members, making early participation advantageous.
Why Join Now?
History has demonstrated that early participants in largescale water projects like Dakota Mainstem often reap substantial benefits in terms of influence over the project's direction and financial savings. Early commitment secures your place in the foundational studies and guards against higher fees, a common practice among regional water projects for latecomers.
Looking Forward
Your interest in Dakota Mainstem signifies your commitment to the growth and development of efficient and sustainable water sources and delivery systems in our region. After completing the membership application process, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you as a member. Join us in this exciting venture to shape our region’s water management future.
We will be in touch with you soon to discuss the next steps. Thank you for considering Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System as a partner in your water system's future.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS STILL OPEN!
Membership Application Process
To begin your application with Dakota Mainstem, please fill out and print the membership application form, which is available through the link provided below. The application is provided on a fillable PDF form. You can print the application, sign it and mail or email it back to Dakota Mainstem.
It is recommended that you request and carefully review a copy of the Dakota Mainstem bylaws. By familiarizing yourself with the bylaws, you will gain insight into the structure, policies, and procedures that guide our operations. You can easily obtain a copy by reaching out to Dakota Mainstem - you will promptly receive the necessary documentation. We encourage you to use this opportunity to equip yourself with essential knowledge about the organization as you proceed with your application process.
Once submitted, the Dakota Mainstem Membership Committee will carefully review your application and recommend acceptance based on our membership criteria. The Board of Directors will then consider approval. You will be informed about any applicable initiation and/or annual dues or fees (if any) should your membership be accepted.
Dakota Mainstem RWS is continuing to accept membership applications. However, please note that any application submitted after September 1, 2024, will not be included in the initial Appraisal Study for the Project. New members may still be considered for inclusion in subsequent studies.