Grant PUD manager's leave extended a week

EPHRATA - The paid leave of Grant County PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson has been extended to July 10, after commissioners decided they needed additional time to determine the outcome.

Commissioners met in executive session Friday and adjourned until the following Friday, July 6 when they will continue their executive session, said Sarah Morford, the PUD's public information officer.

Culbertson was placed on leave June 19, pending investigation into an unspecified personnel issue. Commissioners have declined to comment on the allegations.

Through its attorneys the commission hired an outside investigator to review the matter and report back to the board. The report is supposed to be delivered to the board by mid-week. Morford said it's the board's intention to consider the report at its July 6 meeting.

Board members met in executive session in Seattle June 17 and voted to place Culbertson on leave, beginning June 19. Three of the commissioners were in Seattle at a public power conference; the other two joined the meeting via conference call. After a 90 minute executive session the commissioners voted unanimously to place Culbertson on leave.

- Staff report