Spring 2019
Staffing Changes prepare the District for the Future
The District is experiencing a period of transition with a number of staffing changes. “The District’s most important asset is its employees. They focus daily on providing services in an efficient manner,” says Dan Eisses, General Manager. Last year, we saw two retirements. We celebrated two promotions and one internal transfer. The front office vacancy, created by the retirement of one Accounts Receivable Clerk, was filled. Our most recent opening, generated by internal promotion, was filled by Tanner Houck. He joins us as Water Operator with experience in the construction of water and sewer systems.
Water Operator Katie Sherman was promoted to Field Support Specialist, where she will be helping further the District’s GIS capabilities during an Automated Meter replacement project, along with inspecting sewer installations and many other tasks. We had hired her back in 2017 as a Water Operator and she had come to the District with education and experience in Process Engineering.
The District values employee longevity and retention and the two retirees were examples: Fred Reid in the District Sewer Foreman had 30 years and Jennifer Lucas one of the District’s Accounts Receivable Clerks had 25 years with the District.
To fill the front office vacancy in the Accounts Receivable Clerk position, we advertised and received 76 applications from many qualified applicants. First and second interviews were conducted and in July, 2018, the District hired Erin Carampot to fill the position. She has over 15 years of experience in Retail Banking customer service.
The Sewer Department celebrated an internal promotion of Mike Trueblood to Foreman. He has many years of experience in Wastewater Treatment plants. The Sewer Department added Shane Hess, who transferred from the Water Department. Having employees cross-trained in Water and Sewer services are valuable to the District customers.
Prepare for Emergencies and Focus on Resiliency
Birch Bay took the brunt of Winter Storm 2018 on December 20, 2018 King Tides event. A portion of Birch Bay Dr. washed out and some homes were affected. Sewer Lift Station 6 on Birch Bay Dr. lost power. BBWSD crews worked tirelessly to stabilize the Lift Station and prevent further damage. BBWSD, along with other affected local governments, is applying for federal relief funds from FEMA to recover costs associated with Winter Storm 2018.
Wastewater Lift Stations are an important component of BBWSD’s sewage conveyance infrastructure. Lift Stations allow sewage to move efficiently from lower to higher elevations within our transmission system. Our District currently has eleven Lift Stations to collect and convey thousands of gallons of sewage each day toward its eventual treatment plant destination for processing.
Emergency Preparedness
Home Emergency Preparedness
According to the Department of Health’s website: “After a disaster, you and your family should be prepared to be on your own for at least three days. In some emergencies, such as an influenza pandemic, you may need to prepare for a week or more. Emergency response teams will be very busy and may not be able to provide immediate care to all who need it.” More information about what to do before, during, and after an emergency or disaster is available on DOH’s website
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/BePreparedBeSafe/GetReady
The Center for Disease Control recommends a two week supply of food and a three day supply of water for every member of the household, including pets. Your emergency kit should include extra batteries, an extra cell phone charger, flashlight, personal documents, and a First Aid Kit.
Payment Options
The District has options for payment:
- Auto-Pay: This option is available for United States checking or savings accounts. You may sign up by either completing the form available on our website or completing the back of the pay stub from your bill. Auto-Pay is a great way to avoid late fees and disconnections!
- Online Quick Pay via credit card or check: www.bbwsd.com. You will need your District account number. You can also Login to manage your account, including automatic payments via check or credit card. If you would like an invitation emailed to you, please contact our office.
- By mail (check or money order)
- In person at the District office (Cash, check, money order, debit or credit card) during business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon. – Fri.)
- By phone (844-462-1017) (Credit/debit card or check)
- Our locked drop box inside Bay Center Market during their business hours, to be received the following business day (8050 Harborview Rd. – corner of Harborview Rd. & Birch Bay Dr.) (Check or money order)
We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express credit cards; currently with no convenience fee. We also accept pre-payments as a means to help you as a customer set a budget.
Go Paperless! Email bill delivery became available last year.
