Former City of Centralia Finance Director Brad Ford began his new job last week with the Lewis County Public Utility District.
Ford, who worked as Centralia’s finance manager for more than 14 years, started as the PUD’s new auditor April 23.
“It is one of those opportunities that doesn’t come up that often,” Ford told The Chronicle.
Ford will replace June Johnstone, who worked as the auditor for the PUD for 18 years. Johnstone is retiring May 11.
PUD manager Bob Geddes said Johnstone will train Ford in the three-week transition period before she retires. Ford has moved into her office and Johnstone is finishing her work in a temporary work space.
As the PUD’s auditor, Ford said he will go through bills, vouchers, payroll and other costs to make sure the PUD operates in a lawful manner.
The Lewis County PUD is one of 28 public utility districts in Washington.
The PUD provides electric, water, sewer and wholesale telecommunications service to the southeast portion of Pierce County and all of Lewis County with the exception of Centralia, which operates its own utility. The PUD provides electricity to about 31,000 electric customers.
Geddes said Ford’s experience with municipal finances made him a good candidate for the auditor position.
The PUD auditor makes a yearly salary between $84,540 and $120,060.
Before Ford left his job with the city, the city staff hosted a party April 20. As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Ford received a replica Steelers helmet signed by all the city department heads. Ford said the helmet will be displayed in his new office.
“It was quite humbling,” Ford said.
