Jan. 29, 2008 — The Lassen Municipal Utility District Board of Directors appointed Ray Luhring as the district’s interim general manager at its Tuesday, Jan. 22 meeting. Luhring, who served as director of engineering and operations as well as acting general manager, will receive a 5 percent salary increase. He currently earns $134,400 annually.

Luhring told the board he would be interested in the general manager position when the board is ready to fill the position permanently.

He said he was willing to serve at their pleasure and that he did not step into the position seeking a raise and was willing to accept any offer the board thought was fair and equitable.

“I’m very excited,” Luhring said, “and I’m looking forward to serving as interim general manager. We’ve got a great bunch of employees in this district. This is a great company and a great community. Our focus is providing superior customer service, reliability and keeping the lights on. That’s the focus of our employees, and they’re very good at it.”

Director Jay Dow said he saw four key points in offering the position to Luhring.

Dow said Luhring’s appointment as interim general manager should have no specific term, his job performance could be evaluated at any time, he should receive a 5 percent salary increase, he should receive the standard benefit package offered to the general manager and he would relinquish his position as acting general manager in order to accept the interim general manager position.

Dow also said he thought the interim general manager also should serve as an at-will employee.

The board unanimously approved Luhring’s appointment and directed Jaimee Jones, LMUD counsel, to draft an agreement for Luhring and the board to sign.

Director Wayne Langston noted Luhring was not hired as the acting general manager, but that was an additional title he accepted so someone would be able to handle LMUD business if the general manager was not in the office.

Frank Cady, LMUD’s former general manager, received about $169,000 annually. He was terminated without cause and collected a year’s salary as specified in his contract.

Luhring said he was hired in June 2006 as director of engineering and operations and was given the title of acting general manager in the fall of 2006 to be a second in command when the general manager was not in the office.

Luhring said he’s worked in the electrical industry for 28 years, and began his career as a maintenance electrician at the Nebraska Public Power District in 1980.