Having “consistently demonstrated a culture of accountability,” Mason PUD 3 has earned the Washington State Auditor’s Stewardship Award, presented to them by State Auditor Pat McCarthy and staff at a commission meeting April 9. Mason 3 is the first PUD to hold the distinction.
In a letter to PUD 3, the Auditor’s office recognized several District staff members for their consistent “efforts to provide timely and thorough responses” to questions, recommendations or clarifications from the Auditor. PUD 3 was also noted for maintaining strong internal controls over accountability, financial reporting and compliance with energy laws.
Among those staff members noted were Power Manager Michele Patterson, Energy Services Manager Koral Miller, Director of Finance & Business Services Sherry Speaks, and Financial & Risk Manager Brian Taylor. During the presentation to District commissioners, State Auditor McCarthy noted that financial and accounting staff members often don’t receive the recognition they deserve, but this award brings their accomplishments to light.
Most notably, Patterson was applauded for creating a best practice for analyzing whether a household’s income level meets the Clean Energy Transformation Act’s definition of low-income, according to the letter. The Auditor’s office has shared PUD 3’s method with other utilities to help them better comply with CETA’s program requirements.
This marks the first time a public utility district has received this award. Of the 2,300 agencies the state audits annually, only a handful receive the award each year.
“It is clear the District’s management and staff want to be good stewards of public funds and accountable to the people they serve,” said the letter from State Auditor McCarthy.
“Our team is regularly recognized for excellence in financial practices from the International Government Finance Officers Association – 19 years running,” said PUD 3 Manager Annette Creekpaum, CPA. “We are proud and honored to receive this distinction from our State Auditor, and pleased to serve our customers with transparent, accountable services.”