PUD board works on rebates, other issues

Wahkiakum Public Utility District commissioners discussed a variety of issues at their January 19 meeting.

Auditor Erin Wilson asked the commissioners about limiting the number of eligible refrigerators per household for a decommissioning rebate program supported by Bonneville Power Administration dollars. The fund provides a $25 incentive for consumers to encourage the purchase and usage of eligible energy efficient appliances.

The commissioners approved a limit of one per household due to the limited availability of funds.

Wilson said the Western Wahkiakum Water System has operated at a deficit for nine of the last 12 months and reduced its reserves by $42,000.

“So we lost 40 percent of our reserves in one year?” asked Commissioner Bob Jungers.

Wilson affirmed Jungers’ statement.

“I have to comment that this is exactly what our manager foretold us would happen," Jungers said.

Commissioner Esther Gregg added, “We agreed if we didn’t raise rates, we might have to revisit rates mid-year.”

Attorney Tim Hanigan suggested an addition to the minutes of the last meeting. “You need to reference a motion that was approved to authorize Manager Dave Tramblie to sign the union agreement for 2009-2012,“ said Hanigan.

The commissioners approved the addition.

Gregg reported that at the meeting of the Washington Public Utility Districts Association representatives had discussed crafting a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission not to impose large penalties on non-operation related reporting issues uncovered during audits.

Gregg said that during 2009 alone, Washington PUDs have been assessed penalties totaling over $1 million for paperwork problems.

“More and more PUDs are spending too much time and money on wordsmithing, which is not necessarily the best use of our dollars, “said Gregg.

Commissioner Larry Reese updated the board on the development of personnel evaluations. He suggested as a general best practice for businesses, succession plans should be developed for all positions.

The meeting ended with an executive session about property acquisition.