It is my understanding that no invoices were submitted by the PUD to FEMA. There may (I have no idea) have been a conversation in which someone said, "FEMA won't pay these without more information." But, the PUD never submitted invoices from this contractor to FEMA as the PUD felt the invoices were in error and it would have been inappropriate to submit them.

Much truth here. As Brit has been requesting, understandably and appropriately, all the paperwork will be completed before any private contractors are dispatched in a future situation. Public entities, of course, already have mutual aid agreements in place.

Did any of this go to Spradlin?
http://kbkw.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=960

I read in the paper that the PUD had been paid by FEMA for some invoices. As I had been under the impression no invoices were submitted, I asked. It was confirmed that some went to FEMA, but they had not been submitted by the PUD. The FEMA Auditor when on-site came across a couple small invoices and included them and, consequently sent some small payment (small meaning like $150,000 or so). But, the PUD had not submitted any of the invoices. The PUD has paid some $2.3 million so far.

Before they're dispatched or before the next storm? We know there's going to be a storm, we know there's going to be damage. Agreements should be worked out now, not after 5 PM, on a weekend, in the dark.

Much truth here. As Brit has been requesting, understandably and appropriately, all the paperwork will be completed before any private contractors are dispatched in a future situation. Public entities, of course, already have mutual aid agreements in place.

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Is there something preventing the PUD from having mutual aid agreements in place similar to those of the public entities?

I think he's indicating that other public entities (such as the county) already have mutual aid agreements so they'd be the top number on the speed dial in case of emergency.

Bogus, have I missed a response to your question about actions PUD has taken as to now having in place better people and better procedures? I believe Stash has responded to a prior comment to say that improved procedures are now in place, but I don't believe you have an answer yet as to whether better people are now in place. I had assumed all along that those responsible would have been dealt with quite some time ago, but I believe your question is valid to assure the ratepayers that appropriate action has been taken by top management, and that the replacement(s) have been fully trained and made aware of the importance of fulfilling their duties even during emergency situations. If no such actions regarding responsible personnel have been taken, then I would certainly question why the General Manager has been so lax, and why the PUD commissioners have not required the General Manager to do so.

I meant with other PUDs. Crews from all over this state and from out of state came and worked. There were already procedures in place. There were no problems with any of the public entities OR with any other private entities. Only one tripled rates and created new rate catagories never before charged like the $98 per hour bookkeeper (16 hours a day 7days a week... thank you PUD Ratepayers!).

I think the PUD bills should have a new line saying "$__ went to pay Spradlin".