STPUD managers forego raises; rank and file still negotiating

By Kathryn Reed

The general manager and the 17-member management group of South Tahoe Public Utility District will not be getting a pay raise for the next 18 months.

Negotiations are continuing with the union regarding a one-year extension of their contract that expires at the end of June.

“The board has made it clear they want to get it buttoned up sooner rather than later,” STPUD spokesman Dennis Cocking said.

He said no agreement has been reached, but he does not foresee raises on the horizon.

The 18-month deal for the small group is so everyone’s contracts will be up at the same time.

According to Cocking, the management group does not believe now is the time to make adjustments to salaries and therefore agreed to the freeze. This is the third year in a row this group has not received a raise.

The utility has not implemented any furlough days or reductions in pay.

One thing that sets STPUD apart from cities and counties is the revenue sources. The district does not rely on sales, income or hotel tax. Instead it gets money from ratepayers, property taxes, reserves and borrowing.

Another thing keeping South Tahoe PUD solvent is not having unfunded debt in its retirement plan.

At the 2pm Jan. 6 meeting the STPUD board is expected to approve General Manager Richard Solbrig’s five-year contract. It is not known when the union’s contract will be on the agenda.