About the Role of Commissioner

About the KPUD Board of Commissioners
KPUD is governed by a three-member board of elected commissioners referred to as the Board of Commissioners. Commissioners are elected for a 6-year term. Elected terms are staggered, with a commissioner position being elected every two years. Commissioner salaries are set by state law, based on the size of the utility. Regular Board meetings are held twice a month in open session where members of the public can observe and participate in the decision-making process.

As a policy-setting entity, the Board of Commissioners is responsible for approving the budget, setting rates, and providing oversight and guidance while leaving operational implementation to the General Manager.

Time Commitment & Weekday Availability

The time commitment for a KPUD Commissioner can vary, but on average, the role may require 10-30 hours per month, predominantly Monday thorough Friday. This time commitment can increase during periods of significant projects or challenges. Typically, the time commitment for a KPUD Commissioner involves:

Board of Commissioners Meetings

  • In-person attendance at bi-monthly board meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the KPUD Administrative Offices located at 1431 NW Finn Hill Road, Poulsbo. Meetings can last from 1-hour to several hours.
  • Participation in workshops, strategic planning sessions, or special meetings is also required. Occasional travel throughout the county and state may be necessary.

Additional Outside Agency Meetings & Committee Involvement

Community Engagement

  • Engaging with state and federal legislators, public, attending community events, and responding to constituent inquiries with the assistance of KPUD staff.

Ongoing Education

  • Staying informed about utility regulations, emerging technologies, and best practices through training or conferences.

You may also find the following documents useful as you decide if you would like to submit your information to the Board of Commissioners for consideration.