By Peninsula Daily News
CARLSBORG — The commissioners of Clallam County Public Utility District are accepting letters of interest from applicants for the district’s vacant District 3 seat until 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 26.
Since the initial call for applicants, the district has received nominations from Phyllis E. Bernard, Paul J. Pickett, Kenneth Simpson and Gary R. Smith.
An applicant must be a resident of the PUD’s District 3, which runs from East Port Angeles to the West End and includes the Belleview, Black Diamond, Mount Angeles, Mount Pleasant, Beaver, Bogachiel, Clallam Bay, Dry Creek, Elwha, Forks 301, Forks 302, Freshwater Bay, Joyce, Madison Creek, Neah Bay, Quileute and Sun voter precincts.
Compensation
The position pays a salary of $3,238 per month, plus a per diem of $161 per day for meetings attended on behalf of the district, to a maximum annual compensation of $61,396, pursuant to RCW 54.12.080.
The applicant will fill the unexpired term of the late Jim Waddell, who died of pancreatic cancer on Feb. 5 at the age of 70. Waddell had served on the PUD commission since 2019 and was board president in 2023 and 2024.
Application process
Each interested applicant should submit a letter of interest that includes name, telephone number, email address, primary residence address, mailing address, how long lived in the county, voter precinct, voter registration number and resume.
The letter also should detail why they are interested in being a commissioner, what experience and expertise they would bring to the commission and what they believe is the role of a commissioner.
After the March 26 deadline, the commissioners may appoint an applicant or schedule interviews from a selection of candidates to fill the vacancy.
Challenges facing PUD commissioners include compliance with the Energy Independence Act requirements for renewable energy and conservation, rising costs of power and operations, minimal load growth and future power supply challenges, according to PUD personnel.
Commissioners approve the three fund budgets; set policy for electric, water and sewer regulations; set rates and charges for services; approve the strategic plan; and appoint the general manager, treasurer and auditing officer.
Commissioners also are eligible for group insurance for themselves, their immediate family and dependents.
The new commissioner will serve until the certification of the next general election.
Applications may be submitted in person at any district customer service location, emailed to nhartman@clallampud.net or mailed to: Clallam County PUD, Attn. Nicole Hartman, P.O. Box 1000, Carlsborg, WA 98324.
For more information, call Hartman at 360-565-3231 or email nhartman@ clallampud.net.
