GCPUD Press Release

Salary Plans Approved at Grant PUD
Adjustments Made in Response to Accomplishments

March 27, 2007

EPHRATA - In response to significant progress towards long-term utility goals, Grant PUD Commissioners yesterday approved salary modifications for Commission appointed staff.

“We are on the verge of a momentous time in Grant PUD history with the anticipated issuance of a new license for the Priest Rapids Project in 2007 and positioning of the utility to deal with sizable growth in the County,” said Commission President Randy Allred. “These employees are leading the District through challenging times and the significant growth taking place in the county”

Commission-adopted modifications include salary increases for the general manager, attorney and auditor. Increases are based on a salary study of regional and national public power utilities and earnings in each of the three positions. According to the study conducted by the Large Public Power Council, Grant PUD wages for the attorney and auditor fall near the median salary for like positions in the survey. The wage increase for the General Manager is intended to bring his salary in line with other utilities comparable in size to Grant PUD.

Under the new compensation schedule, General Manager Tim Culbertson will earn $260,000, Attorney Ray Foianini’s wages will increase to $6,678 per month for the first 24 hours worked per week and $190 per hour worked over 24 hours. Auditor Kim Justice will earn $106,000.

“One of Grant PUD’s goals under our Strategic Plan is to ‘attract and maintain a high-quality workforce,’” said Allred. “The Commission believes in this valuable team of employees and will look to their leadership as we work to meet the goals and challenges ahead.”

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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942. Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle. A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.

Media Contact:
Sarah Morford
(509) 754-6633 / smorfor@gcpud.org