By Sheila Corson
The Chronicle

     OKANOGAN –Okanogan County Public Utility District commissioners set April 6-8 for public workshops regarding proposed rate changes.
     The workshops will start at 6 p.m. in Okanogan at the PUD headquarters, 1331 N. Second Ave., April 6. At 6:30 p.m. April 7, the workshop will be at the Columbia Cove Recreation Center, 601 W. Cliff Ave., Brewster. At 6:30 p.m. April 8, the workshop will be at the Old Depot, 1210 Ironwood St., Oroville.
     Regular business meeting times will change to 2:30 p.m. instead of 1:30 p.m., effective April 6.
     In other business, the board:
     - Heard that the PUD’s eminent domain hearing against Dan Gebbers and Trevor Kelpman will be at 9 a.m. April 5 in Okanogan County Superior Court. The PUD requires easements over the land to construct the Pateros-to-Twisp transmission line.
     The court hearing against the state Department of Natural Resources was postponed until 9 a.m. May 3.
     - Heard from Power Manager Ron Gadeberg that wholesale power sales in February were $128,998 better than budgeted. Overall, sales have been $93,316 over budget for the year.
     Gadeberg said that water flows for hydroelectric generation are not looking good, but nothing will be certain until May.
     - Gave two employee service awards.
     Marla Davis has worked with the district 20 years. She is currently a GIS technician, and started as a draftsperson.
     Jeff Deason has been an environmental coordinator for five years.