Smith severance includes pay, accrued vacation time, healthcare

Klickitat County Public Utility District (KPUD) has concluded a severance agreement with former General Manager Jim Smith, effective March 4, 2025. The agreement stipulates a severance payment of $331,225. 44, which represents approximately one year's worth of his salary, alongside $107,104. 82 for accrued vacation time. Of this vacation payout, $24,541.

65 will be allocated to Smith's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, while the remaining $82,563. 17 will be directly disbursed to him after payroll deductions. KPUD has committed to maintaining Smith’s healthcare coverage until March 31, 2026, after which he will be entitled to post-employment medical benefits as per his original employment contract. The agreement also includes standard confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses for both parties, and the district will not contest any unemployment benefits he may seek. In terms of future employment inquiries, KPUD will only provide basic information, such as dates of employment and job duties, unless otherwise authorized by Smith.

Neither Smith nor KPUD has released a public statement regarding the reasons for his separation, leaving some uncertainty surrounding the circumstances. This severance agreement highlights the intricacies of executive transitions within local utility management.