Electric Commission Seeks New Manager, Sets Out Hiring Process
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Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association crews work to replace a pole Monday at the Water Valley Housing Authority. The Water Valley Electric Commission reported the outage as part of its new practice of posting updates on Facebook.
WATER VALLEY – The Water Valley Electric Commission is seeking applications for a new department manager following the resignation of longtime manager Crystal Floyd last week. Commissioners moved to declare the position vacant and begin advertising for a replacement, setting a Sept. 18 deadline for applications.
The decision to begin advertising came during the commission’s Aug. 15 meeting. That meeting, along with one earlier in the week on Aug. 11, also covered a wide slate of issues—from looming deadlines on backup transformer projects to compliance with state auditing requirements and customer service improvements.
Much of Friday’s session centered on the hiring process itself, which commissioners emphasized would follow a structured plan developed with input from Tennessee Valley Public Power Association (TVPPA). The association, of which the Water Valley Electric Commission is a member, is a nonprofit trade organization representing more than 150 local power companies served by TVA. The job description for the new general manager was drafted by TVPPA human resources director Bernadette Martin and adjusted with commissioner input before being approved unanimously at Friday’s meeting.
Applications will be submitted to the commission’s attorney, Chris Latimer, and then screened by a committee of three general managers from neighboring power companies along with Martin before the commission even reviews them. Only candidates who pass that professional review will advance to interviews. Commissioners also voted to keep the advertising period open for a full month, allowing time for both regional and national outreach.
Commissioner Dr. Barry Weeks asked that the commission be kept informed about who would serve on the review committee, while Presley said the approach is intended to provide both transparency and professional oversight. The position carries responsibility for overall leadership, strategic direction, and daily operations of the utility, including the delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective electric service.
The discussion of hiring a new manager also highlighted the need for broader personnel work across the department. At the Aug. 11 meeting, commissioners heard from TVPPA CEO Doug Peters, who explained that one of the first steps in supporting Water Valley’s system will be the development of clear job descriptions for every employee. Without that information, he said, it is difficult to design effective training or measure performance. Once job descriptions are in place, TVPPA will assist the commission with training programs, safety standards, and policy guidance drawn from utilities across the Tennessee Valley.
In the meantime, superintendent Brandon Richardson has taken on extra duties to keep the department operating smoothly. Presley praised Richardson for stepping in, “He normally doesn’t deal with office matters, but he has helped hold things together during this transition.”
Commissioners also approved hiring a part-time clerk to handle routine office work until a new manager is in place.
While filling the leadership gap was the main agenda item in the most recent meeting, commissioners also worked through a long list of unfinished projects and compliance matters since taking office on Aug. 1. At the top of the list is the long-running effort to install two backup transformers, one at Yalobusha General Hospital and another at the Solero site, a project funded with a $387,000 Delta Regional Authority (DRA) grant awarded nearly three years ago. The transformer at the hospital is already set in place, but site work is still underway at the Solero location. Presley noted that the grant requires both transformers to be tied into Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association’s system by Oct. 31. “This is something we didn’t create, but we inherited it, and we have to get it done,” Presley said, adding that missing the deadline could jeopardize future federal funding from the agency.
The commission also reviewed progress on the city’s smart meter project, including discussion that around 150 residential meters remain to be installed, even though the meters were purchased three years ago.
Commissioners expressed frustration with the slow pace. Presley noted that outdated meters contribute to the city’s line loss, which is running at six percent compared to the industry average of four percent. “Three years and the job is still not complete,” he said.
Compliance with state and federal requirements was another recurring theme. With the annual report to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) due Aug. 15, Presley recommended attaching a cover letter clarifying that the commission only took office Aug. 1 and could not verify numbers compiled before then. “We would not be honest with TVA if we didn’t explain our limited role in preparing this report,” Presley said. He also noted that discrepancies exist between how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission defines fixed assets and how Mississippi law treats them for taxation, a detail that will need further review with the hiring of an auditor.
In terms of financial oversight, commissioners approved a series of contracts designed to bring the department into compliance with state regulations. The firm Bridgers, Goodman, Baird & Clark, PLLC was hired to perform annual audits at a cost not exceeding $12,500, compared to the $14,000 billed by the previous firm..
In addition, Franks, Franks, Wilemon & Hagood, P.A., based in Tupelo, will conduct a one-time inventory and tagging of the commission’s property to meet state law requirements within 90 days. Responding to a question from Commissioner Ray Hawkins, Presley explained that going forward, new procedures will ensure all equipment is properly tracked and tagged similar to practices used by governmental entities across the state.
Legal representation for the commission was also secured with the hiring of Latimer Law Firm, PLLC of Oxford. Commissioners approved a $750 monthly retainer that covers attendance at meetings and routine legal work, with special projects billed at $225 per hour. The decision followed a competitive process that drew proposals from four firms, each evaluated on their experience with municipal governments and utility commissions.
Chris Latimer was recommended in part because of his extensive background in utility law. He previously represented the City of Starkville when it owned its municipal electric system, negotiated Starkville Utilities’ 25-year contract renewal with TVA, and has worked with several electric power associations including Northeast Electric Power Association.
Other firms submitting proposals included Mayo Mallette, Crow Martin, PLLC, and the law office of Tommy Defer, but commissioners ranked Latimer highest based on his qualifications.
Customer service was another focus. Commissioners heard a presentation from the Central Service Association (CSA), a Tupelo-based cooperative that serves more than 100 utilities. CSA is developing an online portal and mobile app that will allow Water Valley customers to pay bills electronically by late September. The change will also reduce credit card processing fees from 3.9 percent to 2.5 percent. Presley said the improvement is a step toward modernizing the department’s interaction with customers. Commissioners are also considering placing a 24-hour payment kiosk at a local business to expand options even further.
Other upcoming commission activity:
Thursday morning meeting: Representatives from the Mississippi State University (MSU) College of Engineering and the MSU Stennis Institute of Government will tour the commission’s facilities and hear a report from engineers on system needs, with particular emphasis on the single point of interconnection to the Tennessee Valley Authority transmission line that feeds the city. The visit is intended to form a strategic partnership with MSU to establish best practices for operations and policies, as well as to provide interns who will assist the Water Valley Electric Commission staff in expediting projects.
Friday training session: A webcast training with staff from State Auditor Shad White’s office is scheduled for Friday, August 22, at 10 a.m. Commissioners will gather in the conference room at Everest on Central Street to participate.
