The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

The Wahkiakum County PUD Board of Commissioners met briefly on Tuesday to listen to reports, including the final one from Dave Tramblie, who is retiring from his position as general manager this week.

Tramblie said that customer work was keeping the PUD busy, but they were taking some time to tackle a project for the Western Wahkiakum Water System, and would be replacing pipe on the Altoona/Pillar Rock bridge, along with more pipe about 300 feet to the south of the structure.

He said that the PUD was finally able to procure a much needed truck, which he had difficulty obtaining earlier this year. He said it should be here this weekend, and though it would be a different color than the rest of the fleet, and a little more than they had budgeted, it would be a beneficial addition.

Wednesday was to be his last full day, Tramblie said.

“I would like to thank you three commissioners and your predecessors for giving me the opportunity to lead this organization,” he said. “I also would like to thank the employees, without their support and willingness to provide quality service to our customers, I wouldn’t have been nearly as successful.”

“I would like to thank the community for their support over the years,” Tramblie added. “It’s been a good run.”

Auditor Erin Wilson said she had been working with an IT team to conduct security scans, and would continue to do so on a regular basis. A state audit of the PUD is expected to begin around September 20.

Wilson also said that more help for people struggling to pay bills was on the way. A new income based program administered by CAP would provide assistance to customers with water and sewer bills, beginning October 1, and owners and renters are eligible for one time assistance up to $2,500.

Over Zoom, Town Council Member David Olson expressed his appreciation for Tramblie’s contributions.

“It’s been a great working relationship,” Olson said, “we really appreciate all his assistance on the EV station grant, and broadband, and everything else.”

Commissioner Dennis Reid thanked Tramblie. “Obviously it’s a very well run organization. I know from growing up here that in the past, that was not always the case.”