For Information:
Erica Erland, Clark Public Utilities
360-992-3238, [email protected]
Clark Public Utilities Board Reviews General Manager’s Performance, Adjusts Salary
VANCOUVER, WA – June 23, 2015 – Following a performance review, Clark Public Utilities commissioners voted today to adjust General Manager Wayne Nelson’s salary from $255,000 to $263,000, effective July 1, 2015.
Commissioners use multiple surveys of executive salaries at comparable utilities in the region and across the country to establish the General Manager’s salary range. Despite recent increases, Mr. Nelson’s adjusted salary remains below the salary range midpoint for his position. The board also approved transfer of one hundred hours of accumulated sick leave to annual leave. Mr. Nelson’s car allowance of $400 per month remains unchanged.
“For several years the board has proactively worked to bring Mr. Nelson’s salary closer to the midpoint of his range,” said Jim Malinowski, president of the utility’s board of commissioners. “Under his leadership the utility has kept operating costs down, employment levels stable and continues to provide a very high level of service in the community. Compensation should reflect these achievements.”
Mr. Nelson has served as General Manager of the utility since January 1999. The commissioners have voted to increase Mr. Nelson’s compensation effective in July each year since 2011, following a voluntary wage freeze. The last increase was effective July 2014.
For seven years in a row, Clark Public Utilities has ranked highest in customer satisfaction among mid-size electric utilities in the west by J.D. Power. The survey measures all areas of the utility from system reliability to billing and from customer service to environmental stewardship and is an indicator of the efficiency and effectiveness of the utility compared to similar-sized organizations.
“Winning awards and earning recognition in these national surveys isn’t the goal, but it is certainly an indication of the consistently high standard Mr. Nelson holds himself and his staff to,” said Malinowski. “The industry has changed dramatically in recent years and it’s important for public utilities to have strong, accountable leadership. We continue to have a great deal of confidence in Mr. Nelson.”
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 189,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 30,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. More information at 360-992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.