By Kathy Day
Herald Writer
EVERETT — After Snohomish County PUD commissioners finish talking about what new rates might look like on Tuesday, they’ll turn to what seems to be a minor agenda item: eliminating the position of commissioner assistant.
But for commissioner Kathy Vaughn, the only board member who has a full-time paid assistant, it comes down to an issue of making commissioners less effective.
"This will limit the commissioner’s choice of support that works best for them," she said. "It will really hurt the citizen-owners by having less informed, less effective commissioners."
Board president Cynthia First said Friday that she and commissioner Don Berkey — neither of whom have aides — requested the action because "we’re facing a rate hike again and we can’t justify" spending the money.
Nancy Holbrook, who holds the job, earns about $60,000 including benefits. The salary is based on the district’s policy of paying market-based wages for comparable positions, Vaughn said.
Berkey also said money is a factor in discussing the position, but added, "If we decide to eliminate this position, it reduces the cost and makes resources available for other positions."
He said he wants the board to take a hard look at the district’s organizational structure in the face of changing times in the energy industry. But Vaughn countered that "it has nothing to do with money. … Me being an effective commissioner has saved multimillions of dollars over the years, only because I have been well informed."
She cited her assistant’s help in gathering information that led to her vote to end the PUD’s power-trading business and its decision several years ago not to participate in another business venture called Energy Direct.
First said Vaughn should do as she and Berkey do and rely on the general manager for the information they need to do their jobs.
Previously, all commissioners had analysts, a different position than what Vaughn now has, but the positions were eliminated in early 1999 — except for the one reporting to Vaughn. In December 2000, the board voted 2-1, with First opposed, to create a new assistant position with the agreement that it be reviewed annually.
Although Vaughn said she is the only one who works full time and needs Holbrook’s help to do the best possible job for utility customers, First said her personal commitments to her children and running a 20-acre ranch are comparable to a full-time job.
"I don’t think it’s a fair comparison," First added.
Berkey is a retired PUD electrical engineer and is currently attending graduate school.
You can call Herald Writer Kathy Day at 425-339-3426 or send e-mail to kday@heraldnet.com.
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