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Truckee’s utility district will add a new public information and conservation manager position to broaden communication efforts between the district and its customers and expand conservation programs.
At the Truckee Donner Public Utility District board meeting Wednesday evening, staff outlined the nature of the new position, which entails implementing a wide range of electric and water conservation programs, and serving as a spokesperson for the district in media and public communication matters.
General Manager Michael Holley said the position was created to replace the utility’s Telecommunications Manager Alan Harry after he resigned in January to pursue other career opportunities.
Additionally, Holley said he wanted to create the new post to tackle the district’s conservation critics who voiced concern over a 50-year coal power contract the district opted not to enter in 2006.
Despite already having a conservation specialist employed with the district, Holley said the new position will take conservation programs from a general services level to a departmental status — a boost in terms of funding, time allotted and resources available.
“The primary goal is to take conservation to the next step,” Holley said by phone Thursday.
Based on his past experience with other utility agencies, Holley also said it is of equal importance to have a public information officer to relay the “feeling and pulse of the community back to the staff.”
Board Vice President William Thomason said the new position will not cost the district or ratepayers additional money as funds have been allocated from Harry’s former salary. The salary will range from $89,000 to $108,000.
Between the conservation committee’s efforts, Scott Terrell’s work (the conservation specialist), and the new general manager’s experience and concepts the district is moving forward with green operations, Thomason said.
“Overall, I’m very impressed with Michael’s work, and think what he’s doing is right on,” Thomason said.
At the Truckee Donner Public Utility District board meeting Wednesday evening, staff outlined the nature of the new position, which entails implementing a wide range of electric and water conservation programs, and serving as a spokesperson for the district in media and public communication matters.
General Manager Michael Holley said the position was created to replace the utility’s Telecommunications Manager Alan Harry after he resigned in January to pursue other career opportunities.
Additionally, Holley said he wanted to create the new post to tackle the district’s conservation critics who voiced concern over a 50-year coal power contract the district opted not to enter in 2006.
Despite already having a conservation specialist employed with the district, Holley said the new position will take conservation programs from a general services level to a departmental status — a boost in terms of funding, time allotted and resources available.
“The primary goal is to take conservation to the next step,” Holley said by phone Thursday.
Based on his past experience with other utility agencies, Holley also said it is of equal importance to have a public information officer to relay the “feeling and pulse of the community back to the staff.”
Board Vice President William Thomason said the new position will not cost the district or ratepayers additional money as funds have been allocated from Harry’s former salary. The salary will range from $89,000 to $108,000.
Between the conservation committee’s efforts, Scott Terrell’s work (the conservation specialist), and the new general manager’s experience and concepts the district is moving forward with green operations, Thomason said.
“Overall, I’m very impressed with Michael’s work, and think what he’s doing is right on,” Thomason said.
Broadband Update
After eight years with the Truckee utility district, General Services Manager Alan Harry resigned in January to pursue other career opportunities.
Harry was hired to coordinate the broadband Internet project, which has recently encountered unexpected obstacles, including litigation and market uncertainty. General Manager Michael Holley said rather than rehire for the position, he will take on broadband responsibilities for now, and will eventually delegate broadband duties among staff. Holley said he also plans to approach the project differently to maximize revenue and keep the initiative on track. |
