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Final 2006 budget proposed

Chelan County PUD
News Release
11/28/2005

Chelan County PUD commissioners Monday received the final 2006 budget, which reflects continued efforts to cut costs. The $284 million spending plan is down another $6 million from the draft discussed on Nov. 14. The 2005 budget is $259 million.

TJ Farrell, PUD budget supervisor,  Joe Jarvis, chief financial officer, and Debra Vaughn, budget analyst, reviewed changes and answered questions. 

About 13 percent more will be spent next year on operating and maintenance and 26 percent on big capital construction projects such as modernizing units in Rock Island Dam’s first powerhouse. Those projects will require new employees and increased hours for seasonal positions, and the new positions help the District prepare for coming retirements. Funding for 15 new full-time union employees and 15 salaried staff is in the 2006 budget, plus funding for the equivalent of nine new seasonal or part-time union employees.  

No electric, water or wastewater rate increases are proposed and no new debt is forecast, although the PUD may refinance some existing bonds to get lower interest rates.

PUD commissioners also voted 3-2 to trim part of their own budget, dropping the amount earmarked for consultants in 2006 from $50,000 to $6,000. Commissioners Werner Janssen and Ann Congdon voted against it. Janssen said he wanted to make sure money was available if the need arose. Commissioner Gary Montague, in proposing the cut, said if there is a need the board would follow procedure and ask for a budget revision to cover specific costs.

Commissioners will be asked to approve the 2006 budget at the Dec. 5 meeting. 

In other business, commissioners:

• Heard an update on plans for the new Riverside Drive along the Wenatchee riverfront from Allison Williams of the city and Kris Pomianek of the PUD’s relicensing staff. The city has received a state grant for design and right of way acquisition. PUD commissioners were assured staff will be closely involved and will keep them informed of possible impacts on the riverfront parks.
• Added time to answer questions about new Lake Chelan and Rocky Reach licenses to Tuesday’s special meeting in Chelan to gather public comment on the characteristics needed in the PUD’s new general manager. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at Campbell’s Resort with discussion about the new general manager.
• Were updated on possible financing proposals for the new Washington PUD Association building in Olympia. While Chelan County PUD opposed the construction, it was approved by the majority, and as a member, the PUD is responsible for a 6.05 percent share of the cost. Treasurer Debbie Litchfield told commissioners she would recommend a one-time payment of about $254,100 as being most cost-effective. It’s not known when a formal proposal needing commission action will be made. 
• Heard from Power Manager Steve Fisher about the impact of a potential Renewable Resource Portfolio initiative. Based on load growth forecasts, Chelan County PUD could be faced with acquiring about 28 average megawatts of power from renewable sources other than its hydropower projects by 2020. Fisher said PUD staff will closely watch developments and be back to report to commissioners.

***

PUD commissioners adjourned Monday’s meeting and will reconvene at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the board room to continue Balanced Scorecard discussions. They will then adjourn and reconvene at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 2., in the boardroom for interviews with three executive search firms interested in helping the District with its search for a new general manager.

PUD commissioners will hold special meetings at 7 tonight, Nov. 28,  in the Malaga fire station and at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Chelan’s Campbell’s Resort  to  take public comment on the qualifications and characterizes needed in a new general manager.

The next regular meeting of the PUD commission is at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, in the boardroom, 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.