Port terminates Michelle Bieda

MOSES LAKE - The Port of Moses Lake's Finance/Administration Manager Michelle Bieda was recently fired after a human resources consultant alleged she was a "potential liability."

The port's certified public accountant, Stroud Kunkle, is handling accounting aspects formerly handled by Bieda, said port attorney, Harold Moberg, on Thursday.

"Things seem to be going just fine," Moberg said.

She was without legal council during her pre-termination hearing, where she discussed a consultant's interviews and report in an "open and frank discussion," Moberg said.

The hearing was to learn if there was any new information to share, he said. 

A human resources consultant's recommendation went to Craig Baldwin, the port's executive manager, and the result was Bieda's termination, Moberg said.

She received her accumulated vacation pay, he said. 

Her annual salary was roughly $57,000, he said.

Port commission President Kent Jones said the commission is talking about using a temporary replacement for Bieda's position.

They are considering changing the job description to stress accounting, rather than office management.

"We are looking at a temporary person to help us as we define what we're looking at," Jones commented.

Jones wasn't sure if the commission discussed filling another open office position currently filled by a temporary worker. He acknowledged they need the help to run the office.

He said they discussed what Baldwin could have done better and how to handle future situations, Jones said.

When the issues came up, the port was in the process of putting together a strategic plan.

"As part of that, we need to better define what we expect from our staff and find the people to fulfill it," Jones said. "Our intention is to finish that."

Her termination comes after a human resource consultant concluded a fact-finding investigation about staff relationships at the port.

The consultant's report alleges Bieda was a "potential liability" as a manager of staff and claims other port employees described her as a "bully" and "mean," but "technically competent."

Earlier this year, her husband, Rich Bieda, wrote commissioners and distributed a flyer in the community about an allegedly tense office environment at the port. 

Rich Bieda questioned the port's openness about federal air service funds, compliance with state bid laws and port manager Craig Baldwin's office demeanor. 

The Columbia Basin Herald was unable to reach either Michelle Bieda or Baldwin for comment Thursday.