2018-05-23 Meeting to discuss Tacoma PowerMeeting to discuss Tacoma Power
May 23, 2018
3:01 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Becky Butler, Larry Grove,
Steve Walton, Ross Petersen, Laura Berg, Dianne Dorey, Steve Mansfield, Arny Davis
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Ross Petersen noted that Tacoma Power has followed through
with many of its promises, such as emergency planning at the
dam. He said Tacoma Power also has kept Community
Development apprised of its efforts.
Ross said he was surprised to learn that Tacoma Power owns
roughly 2 percent of all land in Lewis County.
Commissioner Jackson left at 3:07 p.m.
Assessor Dianne Dorey noted that Tacoma Power owns 30,579
acres in Lewis County. Of that, 13,448 acres in the lake. She
said 17,131 acres is mitigated.
Dianne noted that Tacoma Power is exempt from paying
property taxes on land it owns. She noted that the county also
cannot collect harvest taxes. She said the county is missing out
on B&O tax as well as employment for the individuals doing
the forest work.
Dianne said it appears much of the acreage owned by Tacoma
Power is used for projects other than the dam.
Ross noted that it’s unclear what the PILT funds represent.
Dianne noted that Tacoma Power also owns two rail lines in
Lewis County. She said Tacoma Power gets payments for use of its rail lines but that the county doesn’t.
Ross said Tacoma Power runs the two hatcheries and four parks in Lewis County.
Dianne noted that the state bought hundreds of acres off Teitzel Road to mitigate work along the
freeway.
Laura Berg said it seems that the county should get prior notification regarding DNR trust lands.
Ross noted that Tacoma Power has increased its payment 2 percent annually over the past few years. He
said the agreement dictates that the amount should increase 2 percent to 5 percent annually.
TO-DO LIST / RECAP
Ross Petersen: Check to see if
there’s anything that indicates
that mitigation should take place
in the county in which the
project takes place.
Ross and Becky Butler: Review
FERC agreement.
Group: Review Fish and wildlife
settlement, check for the
presence of an agreement with
PUD.
Commissioner Stamper: Check
for contract agreement with
schools.
Ross: Look into becoming an
“intervener.’
Dianne noted that Tacoma Power’s payment has increased at a rate that is much lower than what
property taxes, etc. have increased over a 20-year period.
Commissioner Fund left at 3:29 p.m.
Laura Berg said that when Pend Oreille County renegotiated with Tacoma Power, Pend Oreille County
based its request on kilowatt-hours.
Commissioner Fund returned at 3:33 p.m.
Laura suggested addressing road costs, etc. too.
Steve Mansfield discussed the need to reestablish a communication link with Tacoma Power.
Ross said negotiation would be the first step and mediation would be the second. He said arbitration
would be the next stop. He said the “loser” would pay the bill for arbitration.
Ross said the negotiation route is 10 days. He said mediation is 30 days. He said arbitration and litigation
would have no time limit.
Becky said Tacoma Power’s second-quarter payment should arrive within the next week or so. She
suggested not doing anything until the county receives that.
Laura discussed the help the state offered when her county entered into renegotiations with Tacoma
Power.
Meeting ended at 4:14 p.m.