Sheila Corson

The meeting commenced with a call to order and flag salute, followed by the approval of the agenda as presented; no public comments were offered. The consent agenda, which included the approval of the previous regular meeting minutes from December 9, 2025, and the approval of district checks and vouchers across multiple dates, was unanimously approved. Staff reports covered the receipt of the American Public Power Association Customer Service Award, a meeting with the Bonneville Power Administration regarding a 20-year power contract, presentation of the November 2025 purchased power statement, and the announcement that PUD 3 is reported as 100 percent renewable and non-emitting by the Department of Commerce. The Telecom Report highlighted application statistics, and staff shared appreciation notes regarding conservation rebates and mutual aid assistance. Commissioners reported on their attendance at various industry meetings, including PPC and PNUCC. The meeting concluded after a calendar review and adjournment.

This Strategic Plan for Mason Public Utility District 3 outlines the organization's commitment to connecting its community with safe, reliable, economical, and sustainable services. It focuses on six core values: Safety & Health, Reliability, Financial Health, Employee Connections, Customer Connections, and Community Connections. Key goals include prioritizing safety practices and employee wellbeing, ensuring reliable utility services through proactive maintenance and data analysis, maintaining long-term financial resilience and affordability, fostering a supportive workplace, building strong customer relationships, and strengthening community engagement and broadband access. The plan aims to solidify PUD 3's role as a unique community asset recognized for service, innovation, and stewardship.

The meeting commenced with a request to modify the agenda to include discussion regarding the cancellation of the December 23, 2025, commission meeting. The consent agenda was approved, covering previous meeting minutes and numerous voucher payments, totaling over $2.6 million, along with voiding specific accounts payable entries. Key action items included the unanimous approval of the Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) as mandated by the Clean Energy Transformation Act, following a public hearing held on November 25, 2025. The Commission also unanimously approved the Washington State Energy Independence Act (EIA I-937) Conservation Targets for 2026-2027, based on revised conservation potential assessments. Furthermore, organization membership representations for 2026 were approved, and board officer positions were sustained for the upcoming year. The December 23, 2025, meeting was officially cancelled. Staff reports covered telecom activity, government relations updates including LIHEAP funding and the creation of a Childcare Coalition, and a public power legal report. Commissioner reports noted attendance at a legislative send-off event.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing concerning the Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP), which outlines actions for the 2026-2029 interim compliance period to meet greenhouse gas neutrality by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2045. Key discussion points included the conservation potential assessment and planned actions for an equitable transition. Following the hearing, the commission approved the agenda and addressed public comments. Under the consent agenda, various voucher payments and write-offs were approved. Action items included the unanimous approval of Resolution No. 1846 adopting the 2026 fiscal year budget, Resolution No. 1847 revising certain rate schedules, and Resolution 1848 declaring the 2026 regular meeting schedule. Additionally, Bid M1-2025 for standard Douglas Fir poles was awarded to Stella Jones Corporation. Staff reports covered the October 2025 budget/treasury report and the 2023-2025 Conservation Biennium Report, noting significant incentive distribution and energy savings. A potential surcharge from the Bonneville Power Administration was also mentioned. The commission later recessed for an executive session to review the performance of a public employee.

Mason PUD 3 commissioners approved the 2026 budget of $117.3 million at their November 25 meeting, including residential rate adjustments effective March 1, 2026. As part of the budget, commissioners approved using approximately $511,000 from reserves to help reduce the overall rate impact to customers. The energy rate will increase by 3%, changing from $0.0894 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to $0.0921 per kWh. The daily system charge will increase by $0.10, from $1.75 per day to $1.85 per day.