Why Being A Cooperative Matters
Choosing a cooperative means choosing a company that puts members first. Your voice matters, your needs shape our decisions and your community benefits from our shared success. Through community investment, capital credits and the principles we live by, everything we do is designed to deliver value to the people who use and support our services.
The Cooperative Principles
These seven principles guide how we operate and ensure your membership is meaningful.
Open & Voluntary Membership
Everyone is welcome. Membership is open to anyone who uses WCTA services and is willing to participate – no matter your background or beliefs.
Democratic Member Control
Your voice matters. Members elect our local Board of Director representatives. Each member gets one vote, so decisions are made democratically.
Member Economic Participation
We share the benefits. Members invest in the cooperative and share in its success through capital credits and other member-focused programs. Surpluses are used to improve services, strengthen the cooperative, or return to members.
Autonomy & Independence
We make our own decisions. WCTA is controlled by its members. Any partnerships or outside investments are structured to protect our independence and maintain member control.
Education, Training, & Information
We help members grow. We provide training and information so members, staff, and the public understand the benefits of cooperation and can make informed decisions.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
We’re stronger together. WCTA works with other co-ops locally, regionally, and nationally to share resources, knowledge, and support the cooperative movement.
Concern for Community
We care about where we live. From supporting local initiatives to sustainable development, WCTA invests in the communities we serve because our success is tied to theirs.
Capital Credits
Your Share of WCTA’s Success
When you become a member of WCTA, you’re more than just a customer, you’re a part-owner. That means you can share in the cooperative’s success, including receiving refunds from your investment. These refunds are distributed as Capital Credits (also called deferred patronage dividends). Here’s how they work:
1. You Use the Services!
Each month, the money you spend on WCTA services – phone, internet, TV or equipment – helps the cooperative earn profits.
2. Allocation of Profits
Each year, WCTA calculates how much profit was earned and allocates a portion to members based on their services. These are your capital credits.
3. Funds Held in Your Account
These capital credit funds are added to your account and remain invested in the cooperative to help with operations and improvements. You’ll see an allocation notice each September or October showing your credited amount.
This amount is not deducted from your monthly bill.
4. Board Retires Credits
Over time, as funds accumulate, the WCTA Board may decide to retire (pay out) your capital credits. This is when your share of the cooperative’s profits, for the retired years, is ready to be paid out.
5. Receive Your Payment
You receive a check for your retired capital credits – proof that as member-owner, you share in WCTA’s success!
Unclaimed Capital Credits
Sometimes, capital credit payments can’t reach a member because contact information is outdated. These are called Unclaimed Capital Credits.
- WCTA publishes a list of names each year to help locate members.
- Keeping your address current ensures you receive your share when credits are retired.
- If you or someone you know appears on the list, contact us at
800-592-6105 or capitalcredits@wctatel.com.
Uncashed Check List - August 2026
Capital Credits: FAQ
A statement showing the profits allocated to your account based on your services with WCTA. It’s not a deduction from your monthly bill.
In September or October, either on your bill or in a separate mailing.
Checks are issued when the Board retires accumulated capital credits. Some checks may reflect credits from years ago.
Check our published list of unclaimed credits. If you or someone you know appears on the list, contact us at (800) 592-6105 or capitalcredits@wctatel.com.
Taxes may apply only when the cooperative pays out your retired credits, and then only to the extent that you deducted related WCTA expenses on your tax returns. For guidance, consult your tax advisor.