PUD to offer general manager new contract
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 1 month AGO
Nordt
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | November 30, 2018 2:00 AM
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners will vote on proposal to offer general manager Kevin Nordt a five-year contract at the Dec. 11 commission meeting.
The proposal was discussed during Tuesday’s business session. While it was proposed by commissioner Tom Flint, commissioner Bob Bernd said the entire commission had discussed it.
“We did have a chance during executive session to review the wish of the commission to recognize Kevin’s considerable experience, his performance and his successfully managing our utility,” Bernd said. “We want to express a commitment between the commission and Kevin – and to the community – that this is intended to be lasting and durable.”
Nordt was hired as general manager in 2016, and previous contracts had been year-to-year. Nordt started at the PUD in 2004 as coordinator for the hydroelectric projects owned by the three public utility districts along the mid-Columbia River. He became Grant PUD power manager in 2008, finance director in 2011 and chief financial officer in 2012.
“We’ve kind of had Kevin on a probationary status for quite a while,” Flint said. “Moving forward I think it’s appropriate for us to have him have the opportunity to represent the district as the CEO on a more permanent basis.”
Commissioner Larry Schaapman said he likes the direction the PUD is going. “We’re on a good path.” Nordt has been part of the work done to improve the PUD’s financial position, Schaapman said, an effort that’s starting to pay off. “When I first was on this commission, we had six and eight percent increases.” The proposed rate increase for 2019 is two percent overall, and is projected at one percent for 2020. Commissioners adopted a plan in 2014 that projected two percent rate increases through 2024, and it’s being revised halfway through, Schaapman said.
“That speaks well to (Nordt’s) ability to lead and try and zero in on costs and efficiencies.” Nordt has worked to meet the goals included established by the commissioners, Schaapman said, and he wants to keep that momentum going. “I think it’s the right thing to do.”
Commissioner Terry Brewer also expressed support for the proposed contract, but said he would wait to comment until the Dec. 11 meeting.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.
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