PUD reverses decision on detailed receipts

It was explained to the board that Residential in Development contracts and cover letters for "certain" new or revised services sent to customers do not need to be itemized as all of those costs are "fixed".

After hearing the explanation from Miller and Dunsmoor, it was decided that an itemized cost directive for Residential Development, along with a cover letter, may be excluded in the future, no vote was recorded.

In other business conducted at the same meeting, the districts old #35 Chevy Silverado pickup was declared surplus and sold to an unnamed public agency for $4,500, exclusive of tax.

At the April 7 Raymond PUD Commissioners meeting, nine service extensions were approved, four of those for the new marijuana industry indicating that there is still growth in the industry and together represent just over $100,000.

A majority of the meeting was spent around the latest negotiations of the proposed collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local Union no. 77. With representatives from both sides bringing to the table their latest wants and needs, General Manager Miller took time to explain some of the major points to Commissioners seeking for their approval for the new contract.

Working through a new three-year contract, of which the previous contract has already lapsed as of March 2015, it was remarked at how quickly the two sides have come to terms for the most current negotiation and should have everything agreed and signed in the next few weeks.

A few of the new benefits for the union will be added vacation days for those over 21 years of service. With a previous cap on vacation days at 20 years of service, the new contract provides on additional day after 21 years, and another after 24 years. There is scheduled to be an increase to the percentage paid for missed meals and allowances will be paid after 6-months as opposed to a year. Linemen will also see a small bump if acting in a supervisor role, during specific times, and there will be a 9% increase of wages given 3% per year, starting this year. There was also discussion about life insurance options and health care.

After the approval of the board at the April 7 meeting, the Union will give the contract one last look and hopefully all will run smooth for the next three years.

During the Public Comment period, it was brought up that there was disappointment about the reversal of the decision to have the itemized billing.

The next scheduled PUD Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on April 21 at the Peninsula Operations Center in Long Beach at 1 pm.