Victor Fuentes

The key discussion topics for the meeting include the Pledge of Allegiance, public comment period, and an employee minute presentation by Maurilio Lopez. Commissioner Reports will be given, followed by a Consent Agenda covering approvals for the previous meeting's minutes, payment of January 2026 expenditures totaling $10,276,173.84, approval of January 2026 Write Offs totaling $3,254.61, and final payments for completed contracts with Boyd's Tree Services LLC, Paramount Communications, Inc., Pacific Pole Inspections, LLC, and Intermountain Cleaning Service, Inc., and Apollo Sheet Metal, Inc. Substantive agenda items include a presentation on the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Project, adopting a resolution amending Policies and Procedures for Risk Management and Trading Operations, adopting a resolution to convey district property to the Port of Pasco in exchange for other property, and management reports. An Executive Session is scheduled if needed.

The meeting included an employee minute with Ms. Cuevas from Customer Service, who discussed her role and safety improvements. Eltopia Communications addressed the Board with concerns and requests as a Residential Service Provider. Commissioner reports covered PPC, PNUCC, and NWRP annual meetings, and NoaNet's financial performance. The consent agenda was approved, including minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting, expenditure payments for October 2025, and write-offs. The 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets Public Hearing was re-opened and recessed to December 9, 2025. The 2025 Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) was adopted, and a resolution was passed approving a Salary Administration Plan for regular non-bargaining employees. Management reports covered the General Manager/CEO's report, legal counsel updates, Finance & Customer Service Director report, Engineering & Operations Director report, Assistant General Manager report, and Public Information Officer report.

The meeting included an employee minute, commissioner reports, and a consent agenda. Key discussion points included re-opening the 2026 budgets public hearing, presenting the final 2026 operating and capital budgets, and adopting a resolution approving these budgets. The commission also considered pre-qualification of electrical and fiber optic contractors for 2026, approving conservation targets for 2026-2045, authorizing payments for automated mailing services, approving a revised pole attachment rate schedule, and a revised broadband services and facilities rate schedule. Additional agenda items covered contract extensions for tree trimming services, utilizing the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services contract for fiber dock crew projects, and additional funding for a fiber-to-the-home project. The meeting also included approving the 2026 regular commission meeting schedule, appointing the 2026 board of commission officers, providing a final update and approving the closure of the district's 2024-2025 operating plan, and approving the 2026-2027 operating plan.

The strategic direction for Franklin County Public Utility District #1 for the years 2024-2029 outlines its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric and broadband services. The plan is guided by principles of safety, stable rates, system reliability, and strong customer relationships. Key strategic priorities include optimizing systems for reliability, mitigating factors impacting rates, fostering strong internal and external relationships, and preserving and growing the safety culture. The vision is to be a respected and reliable steward, delivering high-value, low-cost power, a robust infrastructure, environmental conservation, and excellent customer service through committed employees.

This document outlines the strategic direction for Franklin County Public Utility District #1, serving as a roadmap for the years 2024-2029. The plan is guided by principles of safety, stable rates, system reliability, and strong relationships. Key strategic priorities include optimizing systems for customer reliability, mitigating factors impacting rates, fostering strong internal and external relationships, and preserving and growing the safety culture. The overarching vision is to be a respected and reliable steward of electric and broadband systems, delivering high value through low-cost and reliable power, robust infrastructure, energy conservation, and exceptional customer service.