EPHRATA - Grant County PUD commissioners are considering a five-year employment contract for General Manager Tim Culbertson.

The proposed contract includes a $15,000 bonus for the first three years "as an incentive for continued employment," according to the proposal.

The bonus is in addition to Culbertson's annual salary of $275,888, which does not increase.

Commissioners discussed the contract during their meeting Monday. They are expected to vote on it during their Aug. 8 business meeting.

Commissioner Tom Flint said Culbertson represents the district on important issues, such as the Columbia River Treaty and wind. Flint thinks a manager is needed in the next three to five years.

"I think it represents security for the district and Tim," Flint said. "At this particular time, there are a lot of large issues on us. I think we do need to have the security of a manager for at least three to five years."

Commissioner Bob Bernd said he would want to incentivize a capable manager to stay with the district and give him the reason to do it.

Without the incentive, there would be no reason for Culbertson to stay, Bernd said.

They hope a contract will take Culbertson out of the political realm, as there wouldn't be concerns about who he may or may not affront on the commission, Bernd said.

The proposal provides Culbertson with a year's severance pay if he was terminated.

Commission President Randy Allred said the contract was the first one written for a Grant PUD employee. He said he was not in favor of contracts for large industrial customers or district officers.

Culbertson said he thought a former manager had an employment package, but wasn't sure if it was a contract.

Flint said Culbertson is beyond probation.

"He has proven he is a valued employee to the ratepayers of Grant County," Flint said. "It is time for us to firm that up a little bit."

Commissioner Terry Brewer was not at Monday's meeting.