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Grant PUD sets the record straight: Manager Contract
A message from your Grant PUD Commission
August 30, 2011
As your PUD commissioners, we are always sensitive to feedback we receive. Recent confusion surrounding our decision to enter into an employment agreement with our general manager has caused us concern. The contract was a unanimous decision of the board, as is this letter to the editor. We believe strongly in our action and wish to set the record straight on this issue.
Given the value and expertise Tim brings to our PUD, we felt that we needed to take action to keep him in Grant County. Our industry, and our county, are in a state of rapid change. As commissioners, it is our responsibility to retain or hire a manager that can best serve the needs of our utility while continuing to provide stable leadership far into the future.
It is common practice for a PUD to have a contract with its general manager. This contract was not entered into lightly or hastily and involved several drafts and much discussion. After reviewing contracts of other utility managers, we believe the terms are fair and reasonable. Both the utility and Tim benefit from this new, five year agreement.
Under this contract, commissioners may terminate Tim’s employment at any time for any reason. If we end his employment without good cause, he will receive a 12 month severance package. If we have cause, he will not be paid. Throughout the course of his employment, we maintain the ability to adjust his salary on an annual basis. He receives the same benefit package as all long-term employees. As an added incentive to retain Tim’s service, we’ve agreed to establish a fund and deposit $15 thousand annually for up to five years. Tim will receive these retention dollars only if he fulfills the terms of his contract. The agreement also includes a $500 car allowance due to the amount of time Tim spends traveling. This provision returns a vehicle to the motor pool and saves the associated maintenance.
Tim’s salary does not change with this agreement; however it continues to be a topic of discussion amongst the public. After intensive salary surveys, we’ve found his pay to be comparable to other similar public utilities in the region and well below the private sector.
We hope this communication clarifies questions regarding this contract. As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback on this or any topic facing your utility.
Randy Allred, president
Tom Flint, vice president
Terry Brewer, secretary
Dale Walker, commissioner
Bob Bernd, commissioner
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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
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