If you ran a business which had a dysfunctional department, wouldn’t you hold the department manager accountable and obtain performance or replacement? Instead, the Snohomish County PUD spent over $700,000 of ratepayers’ money on an out-of-state consultant, including transportation between California and Washington and then regular ground transportation from Seattle to the workplace since the consultant stayed in Seattle.

It was reported in The Herald that Paul Elias, PUD general manager, indicated he would prefer consultants stay in Snohomish County rather than in Seattle to retain the economic benefits for this county. The commissioners called for an audit and review of the contract, stating their lack of knowledge of both the contract and fees.

Who sets policy regarding when and if use of a contractor is appropriate? Who sets policy on allowable expenses such as Seattle lodging rather than Snohomish County lodging? Who reviews and awards contracts, then monitors performance? Apparently the PUD manager and commissioners do not.

Frankly, the buck stops with you and me. (And a lot of our bucks are involved.) Residents of Snohomish County are both customers and employers of the PUD. The Herald provides information on the conduct of PUD business, efficiencies and deficiencies to help us do our job.

Ultimately, performance monitoring and evaluation are up to us. We need to do our part to help the PUD commissioners and employees do theirs.

Mill Creek