Grant PUD adopts 2009 budget

EPHRATA — A $490 million budget approved Monday by Grant County PUD commissioners includes funds to add 40 new positions, fulfill relicensing requirements for the Priest Rapids Hydroelectric Project and continue turbine improvements.

There are no rate increases included in next year’s budget, Grant PUD Commissioner Bob Bernd said.

The budget was adopted in a 4-1 vote, with Commission Greg Hansen voting against the proposal.

After commissioners shared their thoughts on the budget, Hansen started to speak again.

Commission President Tom Flint called for a question in an apparent effort to prompt a vote.

Commissioner Randy Allred criticized Flint for his action.

In response to Flint, Hansen said it was a disgrace to call for a question.

Before he voted, Hansen noted the country is a recession and he hoped it didn’t become a depression.

The budget is 25 percent higher that 2008’s projected year-end budget, Hansen said.

Although there are no rate increases scheduled for next year, he mentioned the chance of rates increasing.

Hansen said there’s a 15 percent to 20 percent increase in different budget categories.

He said he thought the budget should be pared down and cut in noncritical areas.

PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson said the commission has been through the budget.

There were a number of items the commission didn’t approve this year, such as the infill project to stabilize Wanapum Dam and a facilities master plan, he said.

Culbertson also pointed out the PUD has a new license that calls for the implementation of programs.

Work also must be done on turbines, generators and 230 lines to integrate the PUD’s project to its system when its contract with the Bonneville Power Administration expires.

The budget contains 40 new full-time equivalents (FTEs), with 24 positions in the hydro division, Culbertson said.

The increases at hydro mostly involve license implementation, fisheries work, turbine upgrades and the generator projects, Bernd said previously.

Commissioner Terry Brewer said he didn’t hear any complaints about the budget proposal during public budget hearings.

People are pleased there aren’t any rate increases scheduled for 2009, Brewer noted.

The budget provides good electric service to customers, rebuilds lines and represents a good payback for the district, Brewer said.

Bernd said everything in the budget was explained and there’s been ample time.

Bernd added he hasn’t heard any specifics on what should be cut.

Grant PUD is able to balance its budget, unlike Chelan County PUD, which is $2 million out of balance, Bernd said.

Bernd said he didn’t feel the PUD should be cutting back because times are tough.

The utility has an opportunity to help with the economy in the local area, Bernd said.

Hansen said he’s expressed his concerns during budget workshops and said twice he couldn’t vote on the budget as written.

He also questioned noncritical programs in operations and maintenance and 15 new employees in the Customer Service Department.

Culbertson said he didn’t know where Hansen was hearing about 15 employees. Every position is going to be rejustified, Culbertson added.

Customer Service Director Tony Webb said 10 of the positions were transfers from different positions.

Assistant General Manager Chuck Berrie said there was a corresponding reduction of 10 employees in the IT Department.

Flint said the utility is rebuilding a 50-year-old program by upgrading lines and substations.

The PUD’s labor issue was discussed a few years ago, when the utility used more contracted labor, Flint said.

The commission wants to provide jobs to residents in Grant County and the surrounding area, Flint said.