Rocky Mount NC - Council OKs 11.5 percent increase (ElectriCities)
Monday, July 28, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Posted in ElectriCities
by DCN
Although I understand where Commissioner Watkins is coming from, I do not feel the Rocky Mount City Council had a choice because if they didn't ok the increase then the city would go broke. If I am correct Watkins ward is the ward with the majority of the projects in place.
Jesse Tilton came to the meeting today to present an award and while he was present Commissioners Knight and Blackwell hit him with some hard questions. (Read More)
See related link:
Sunday, July 27, 2008: Rocky Mount NC - ElectriCities needs questioning
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - Agreed
Jesse Tilton programs spells MORE MONEY. Never give a spendthrift a task another group can do better. Cut the budget there, cut salaries, cut the fluff and give the money to the cities to take care of the residents. That is the only way to have accountability and success.Did this dude answer any questions? He is aragant.
Note: Edited is shown only because I clicked on edit in order to separate the paragraphs, did not actually edit the information here.
Edited by curmilus on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Posted by Anonymous
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - Employees at ElectriCities are disgusted
The HR director is a HUGE problem. This guy makes over a 100k and is charged with protecting the employees of this organization.In reality he is Jesse Tilton's yes man along with their shady attorney and a few other VP's. He has no interest in the employees at this company, only his own self interests and his wallet. He is corrupt.
The man has overseen numerous sexual harrassment settlements, employee "resignations" and unjustified firings of employees who have tried to make ElectriCities a more accountable and open company to the public.
I've never known an HR director held in such low regard by the very people he's suppossed to be looking out for. The problem is, he's not bright enough to realize the employees are on to him.
you all are doing the right thing. we are tired of being subjected to this.
Note: Edited is shown only because I clicked on edit in order to separate the paragraphs, did not actually edit the information here.
Edited by curmilus on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Posted by Anonymous
Wednesday, July 30, 2008 - Press Release
I took this by hand to the WilsonTimes and the city of Wilson. Have not heard from the paper as to when or if it will go in the paper. Citizens and Business Uniting for Leadership, Excellence and Responsibility A Change in Leadership is Needed at ElectriCities of NC ElectriCities of NC is a not-for-profit trade association, together with two municipal power agencies that serve 32 eastern cities and 19 western cities with ownership in the power agencies. Presently the organization has approximately a one billion dollar budget and oversight is a board of representatives of cities from the east and west. The composition of the board at present time is: five town managers, one former manager, two utility managers and one utility director, two former mayors, two current mayors, one council member. The Board is paid a salary of $1,000 per month for 12 months for a term of three years. In June, ElectriCities announced a 14% rate increase for the eastern power agency, even though the CEO was aware of problems that would affect rates in October 2007 and the Board in March 2008. The result is most cities will have to pass the rate to their customers, adding another burden to a declining economy and rising costs. At least 2% of the increase is due to a refinance of the agency's $3 billion debt in the variable bond market where the interest rate soared, costing $12 million in interest. The decision and then the delay in revealing the problem means citizens got one month notice to adjust personal and business budgets to a much higher electric rate, most in cities where the electric rates are already much higher than those of competitors. Citizens and businesses are uniting across the cities to encourage City and Town Councils to ask questions now and regularly about ElectriCities management based on reports of excessive salaries, double digit salary increases, more than 30 staff members earning more than $100,000, excessive staff turnover in some divisions, multiple legal settlements with former staff, pending federal legal claims against current staff, the refinancing error, excessive spending for events and travel, many out of state. Further we will encourage City and Town Councils to inquire as to details of these issues and demand ElectriCities do its part, via resolution, to help soaring energy costs that are burdening citizens by making operational cuts as many cities have been forced to do. Further, we will encourage City Councils to meet with Board Members and Power Agency Commissioners on these matters to monitor actions and results on a monthly basis and publicly provide reports. Further, we encourage City Councils to evaluate their representative on the power agency board of commissioners to ensure a strong understanding of the issues and demand monthly reports on ElectriCities and power agency activities and budget and to provide that information to the public. Suggested cuts in the ElectriCities include: $168,000 per year for Board member Salaries Reduction in CEO salary to $250,000, a savings of $200,000 and termination of current contract for the CEO amid mismanagement, misallocation of funds for staff salary increases. Elimination of its out of state Myrtle Beach Party, a savings of more than $100,000 plus the additional costs cities incur for travel, meals and lodging. Elimination of staff retreats, out of state travel, savings of more than $200,000 Elimination of positions in senior management and salary adjustments eliminating double digit salary increases over the past five years, savings of more than $2 million Elimination of contract lobbyists and excessive staff lobbyists based on excessive turnover (80%), savings of $500,000 Restrict the legal budget expenses to $150,000, savings of more than $400,000 Hiring freeze Restriction of salary adjustments to 2% for the lowest paid employees only. Elimination of bonuses. Streamlining functions within ElectriCities to achieve elimination of positions. Further we recommend these cost savings be immediately undertaken, effective September 1 and applied to costs associated with the rate increase so that the reductions have an immediate reduction effect on rates. We are citizens and businesses representing the cities and we are demanding change, accountability, and excellent leadership that includes innovative solutions to soaring energy costs.Posted by rickdewjr
Wednesday, July 30, 2008 - Press Release
This was given to the WilsonTimes and the city of Wilson When or if it hits the paper I don't know. Citizens and Business Uniting for Leadership, Excellence and Responsibility A Change in Leadership is Needed at ElectriCities of NC ElectriCities of NC is a not-for-profit trade association, together with two municipal power agencies that serve 32 eastern cities and 19 western cities with ownership in the power agencies. Presently the organization has approximately a one billion dollar budget and oversight is a board of representatives of cities from the east and west. The composition of the board at present time is: five town managers, one former manager, two utility managers and one utility director, two former mayors, two current mayors, one council member. The Board is paid a salary of $1,000 per month for 12 months for a term of three years. In June, ElectriCities announced a 14% rate increase for the eastern power agency, even though the CEO was aware of problems that would affect rates in October 2007 and the Board in March 2008. The result is most cities will have to pass the rate to their customers, adding another burden to a declining economy and rising costs. At least 2% of the increase is due to a refinance of the agency's $3 billion debt in the variable bond market where the interest rate soared, costing $12 million in interest. The decision and then the delay in revealing the problem means citizens got one month notice to adjust personal and business budgets to a much higher electric rate, most in cities where the electric rates are already much higher than those of competitors. Citizens and businesses are uniting across the cities to encourage City and Town Councils to ask questions now and regularly about ElectriCities management based on reports of excessive salaries, double digit salary increases, more than 30 staff members earning more than $100,000, excessive staff turnover in some divisions, multiple legal settlements with former staff, pending federal legal claims against current staff, the refinancing error, excessive spending for events and travel, many out of state. Further we will encourage City and Town Councils to inquire as to details of these issues and demand ElectriCities do its part, via resolution, to help soaring energy costs that are burdening citizens by making operational cuts as many cities have been forced to do. Further, we will encourage City Councils to meet with Board Members and Power Agency Commissioners on these matters to monitor actions and results on a monthly basis and publicly provide reports. Further, we encourage City Councils to evaluate their representative on the power agency board of commissioners to ensure a strong understanding of the issues and demand monthly reports on ElectriCities and power agency activities and budget and to provide that information to the public. Suggested cuts in the ElectriCities include: $168,000 per year for Board member Salaries Reduction in CEO salary to $250,000, a savings of $200,000 and termination of current contract for the CEO amid mismanagement, misallocation of funds for staff salary increases. Elimination of its out of state Myrtle Beach Party, a savings of more than $100,000 plus the additional costs cities incur for travel, meals and lodging. Elimination of staff retreats, out of state travel, savings of more than $200,000 Elimination of positions in senior management and salary adjustments eliminating double digit salary increases over the past five years, savings of more than $2 million Elimination of contract lobbyists and excessive staff lobbyists based on excessive turnover (80%), savings of $500,000 Restrict the legal budget expenses to $150,000, savings of more than $400,000 Hiring freeze Restriction of salary adjustments to 2% for the lowest paid employees only. Elimination of bonuses. Streamlining functions within ElectriCities to achieve elimination of positions. Further we recommend these cost savings be immediately undertaken, effective September 1 and applied to costs associated with the rate increase so that the reductions have an immediate reduction effect on rates. We are citizens and businesses representing the cities and we are demanding change, accountability, and excellent leadership that includes innovative solutions to soaring energy costs.Posted by rickdewjr