PUD commissioners delay vote on new CEO contract

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners voted to table a proposed contract with general manager Kevin Nordt Tuesday, after proposing a new contract at the Nov. 29 meeting. The vote was 3-2, with commissioners Terry Brewer and Bob Bernd voting against postponing the vote.

The original proposal was a five-year contract; during the meeting Tuesday it was announced the term had been shortened to three years. “I’ll make the motion that we table this,” said commissioner Dale Walker. He was supported by commissioners Larry Schaapman and Tom Flint.

Former PUD general manager Tim Culbertson spoke against the proposed contract during the public comment session, although Culbertson said he supported the idea of a multi-year contract. But, he said, five years was too long, and the contract should include provisions for annual review. In addition, Culbertson said he thought the possible severance clause was too generous.

Bernd did not file for reelection, and Brewer was defeated in his bid for reelection. Culbertson said he thought the board should wait until the new board members are sworn in before considering the contract.

Ray Van Dyke, Quincy, said he agreed with Culbertson. “I’m just here as part of the ag power board,” he said.

Van Dyke said the ag power users emphasized reducing PUD debt during the election, “and also the cost of service study. Those were the two issues that came up in the election. I’d like to see us kind of work on that.”

Board members also delayed approving a three-year contract with the company managing some of the PUD’s park system, including Crescent Bar. Schaapman said he hadn’t had a chance to read the entire contract yet, since commissioners only received it Friday. And he said he wanted to give the new commissioners, Nelson Cox and Judy Wilson, the chance to familiarize themselves with the work that’s been done at Crescent Bar.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.