EPHRATA - Grant County PUD commissioners named Jim Bunch last week to the permanent position of treasurer/controller.

Bunch worked as acting treasurer/controller for the utility since February.

He replaced former treasurer/controller Nick Gerdes, who was let go after the PUD "found certain aspects of his (Gerde's) performance to be unacceptable," the PUD stated in February.

Bunch previously worked as the PUD's director of accounting, finance and strategic planning.

As treasurer/controller, his responsibilities include managing all internal and external financial reporting, cash and debt management and supervising the accounting, finance and strategic planning departments, said the utility's spokesperson Rita Bjork.

Bunch is a 24-year employee of the district, according to the PUD. His annual salary is $146,432.

Bunch and his wife Sandy live in Moses Lake. They enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, according to Bjork.

His hobbies are hunting and fishing.

- Staff report