The PUD needs more staff

"There is a point of diminishing returns when you allow or, worse yet, demand that, your staff work too many hours doing too many tasks in too many areas of responsibility."

Today, at the PUD Citizen's Advisory Board meeting, Jim Parker, the utility manager (Chief Executive Officer) was asked if the meeting packets could be posted on-line a day or two before the meetings to allow everyone a chance to prepare for the meeting.

His response was that he would try.  He said that this is the type of work he usually does at night and on weekends.  This many hours, and I can speak from experience, will result in burnout for those asked to carry too much of a workload.  This type of work should be assigned to staff, not done by the CEO of a 30 million dollar municipal corporation.  Delegation would free up time for Jim to manage the PUD.   Only problem, there appears to not be anyone who is not already overloaded with work.

Running a tight financial ship should be praised but, when tired, overworked crew are at the helm, the rocks may be the destination of this ship.

Hopefully, when the rate study is completed, it will become apparent that the Commissioners should hire enough additional well trained, qualified and motivated staff members to assure that ALL needed tasks are completed in a quality manner and on time.

Never thought the day would come when I would say that a governmental agency needed more employees.

Thanks and see you at the PUD Commission meeting, tomorrow night, Tuesday, July 15, 5PM at the PUD office.
Tony