NPPD execs get salary bump

The NPPD Board needs to be impeached.

You have got to be kidding me? What are the NPPD board and staff thinking? Do they realize people are losing their jobs right and left in Columbus and Nebraska and struggling to keep their homes and pay bills? How totally inappropriate, unwise and plain out of touch to be giving pay raises like this. If they were a private industry this wouldn't be happening at all.

Wow...in a time when the economy isn't doing too hot and people are getting laid off at work...the big shot money makers keep getting richer...weird!!!

Who cares if the executives salaries are not comparable with other companies. The only thing that proves is that all executive salary is to high. Like with any corporation the brains are never at the top anyway(those jobs are mostly reserved for the backstabbers). Any extra money NPPD has should either get paid to the guys who actually do the hard work, or use that money to lower rates!

I hope they all decline the raises in light of what everyone else is going through...

WOW! I have a college degree and make about 40,000 working my butt off and taking call at the hospital. I must have went into the wrong field. I don't even know what I would do with all that money? I will think of them though when I pay my next electric bill as they have been really high this winter and I think the rates are going up again.

As a spouse of someone who just lost their job , this article was a hard one to read. Apparently NPPD has not been in touch with the national news and how irrate citizens are at CEO's who are benefitting while ordinary people are suffering as a product of this economy. A pay raise is not something they should be gloating about while others are trying to make ends meet on unemployment checks. I'm wondering how hard they really tried to 'refuse' this pay increase. All employees, whether they are big execs, teachers, retail workers or fast food personnel DESERVE to be making more money because of their responsibilities. I don't know how NPPD execs can justify that their job is more important, worthy of more pay, then any other employee in other sectors. That is just pompous and arrogant. Maybe a better solution would have been to lower the energy rates so underemployed or unemployed customers could all benefit. I think it is sad that ONE man in Columbus is making 5x what the median household income is in this town. While others at NPPD are making 4x the median income. Congratulations on your pay raises. And while you are making your executive decisions that we are paying for, I hope you are thinking about hundreds of families in this community who are trying to make decisions of their own..........whether to pay the monthly mortgage on their house OR buy groceries for their whole family. Oh and last but not least....how to ALSO pay for their electric bill that has skyrocketed because of increased rates.

$127,456 raises for people that probably aren't feeling any hit by the economy...if they are it probably means they had to swap their new Lexus for a new Toyota. That money definitely could have been put to better use. So sad to see...

THIS IS JUST SICK!!!!HOW DARE YOU SAY THIS IS JUSTIFIED, AND WELL DESERVED. TRY WORKING AT ONE OF THE FACTORIES HERE 12 HRS ON A SUNDAY FOR STRAIGHT TIME.FACTORY WORKERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF THIS WORLD AND THE CEO AND OFFICE PERSONAL WOULD NOT EVEN HAVE A JOB IF WE DIDN'T DO ALL THE MANUAL LABOR.MOST PEOPLE IN THAT JOB STATUS ACT LIKE THEY ARE BETTER THAN OTHER PEOPLE AND THEY ARE NOT.THEY JUST RAISE OUR ELECTRIC BILLS HIGHER EVERY YEAR.THEN IF THE BILL IS TOO MUCH TO PAY, THEY WON'T LET YOU MAKE PAYMENTS , THEY TELL YOU THEY WILL SHUT OFF YOUR HEAT IF YOU DON'T PAY NOW EVEN IN THE WINTER TIME EVEN IF YOU HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN AT HOME.HOW DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT , WHILE THEY ARE SPENDING TIME ON A SUNDAY SLEEPING AND BEING WITH THEIR CHILDREN, THE FACTORY WORKERS ARE WORKING THIER BUNS OFF DOING MANUAL LABOR FOR 12 HRS BEING AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES,NOT GETTING TO SLEEP IN, NOT GETTING TO GO TO CHURCH, WHO DOES THE 9% RAISES REALLY DESERVE TO GO TO??????

As an employee of NPPD, I myself am disappointed with these raises.

Employees were told this year we should be appreciative of the raises we received, as next year we may not receive anything. Therefore I was grateful for my small raise. We are also told that the electric industry will be changing drastically in the future and I have even read that electric rates may increase by 100% just within the next few years. With this in mind, I think these raises are extravagant.

I am aware that several executive members have left to go work for competitors, and I am also aware that these individuals work very hard, however I think that the economic situation and keeping rates affordable for customers should be a priority before raises.

Don't blame NPPD for you going into the wrong field. You made your life choices, the board made theirs.

I really debated commenting on this article, until I read the comment section. I know that people are losing their jobs, and that is sad. But ultimately, we are all responsible for our own "deal". These execs worked hard to get where they are, and take on a tremendous amount of pressure in their daily responsibilities. If you don't like making $40,000 a year, then go back to school, boost your education, and start over. Don't blame these people for your own misfortune.

Now, the problem I have is different. I do not believe you justify pay increases by comparing Columbus NE to industry standards. I could leave Columbus and double my income...TODAY!! I choose not to because of the lifestyle that rural NE offers. I expect to make less, and it is my choice. There are other great President/CFO/VP candidates out there that share my values. Don't give pay increases out of fear...that is a very poor business practice. I will bet...all I have...that there are people right here in Columbus NE, that could and would perform these jobs for HALF the money. Of course there would be an acclimation period...but intelligence is intelligence, no matter the industry.

Sorry folks, that is how I feel.

Good for them.

I hope they have continued success in their professional life.

Envy is unattractive.

Get over yourselves.

Wow... this is overwhelming.
Yea,, it may sound like a case of sour grapes, but this really stings.
True, these people may make less compared to omaha,, but thats the kicker,, this isn't omaha.
Granted, these people probably earn their money,,, but lets get a little realistic here. We have people in this town, who exist,, barely, from paycheck to paycheck. Myself included. And if i had kids at home yet,, i don't know how i would be able to do it.
One would think,, with wages as such,, compared to the average income earned in columbus, these excessive payraises could be reduced,, and the rest applied towards the community in lieu of reducing power bills.
And setting up a fund for people who have been laid off, to cover a months power bill, or at least assist in some way.
The city of columbus may be the city of power and progress, but get realist. With the econemy the way it is,, unemployment going up, progress is going to be coming to a screaching halt, as it is getting unattainable to most.
It all trickles downhill.
Companies layoff.
People can't afford to go out to eat, see a movie, go to the pool.
Spend less on new clothing for the kids, lean towards rummage sales and goodwill.
Then local businesses lose profits, and they fold.
We will become an inevitable ghost town. Look at the west side of town, business wise,,and down town is losing the battle.
Something really needs to be done, before it gets to the point of return.

In these tough economic times, those pay increases are completely outrageous. Shame on the Board of Directors for approving those raises, and shame on those executives for accepting them. That is not leadership, its greetiness pure and simple. I could do just as well if not a better job in almost any of those positions at half the salary. i hope the citizens of Platte County remember those board members at election time.

$17,500 increase, that's what I made last year working 6 days a week.

OK, so the top employees recieved 3 % to 8.2 % raise. What did the average NPPD employee recieve for a raise? I assume that the average NPPD employee (not Management) recieved from 3 to 4 %And remember 3.5 % of a person making $55,000 is $1925 a year raise. And if we gave the $55,000 employee a 9.6 % raise (like Traci Bender) it would be $5,280 compared to her raise of $20,000.
Does she really need 4 times compensation? Oh, but remember the average NPPD (Non-Management) employee probably only recieved 3 to 4 % raise. I guess this means that it cost less for the average employee at the grocery store, gas pump and to put their children in college. Yea, Right!

What is wrong with this story ... the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. If the executives were truly willing to go without raises, why didn't they do it!!!! All they had to do was "JUST SAY NO!" All we hear on the radio and TV these days is the tough economic times we are in and how all of the costs are skyrocketing. And now, in our own community, we see such greed and apathy toward those having to buy their product. Shame on them all -- the executives, their legal counsel and the board.

I don't think the people receiving these salaries and raises should be looked down upon for them. Not one among us would turn down that kind of money if offered. The problem seems to be the board is out of touch with reality, along with Mr. Ron Asche. He states that they need to pay this to be competitive with private industry. Assuming this is true, lets take a closer look at this. I've looked at the positions/titles of these folks and without fail concluded there isn't a person in the private sector in this town receiving that type of compensation. This can only mean they aren't working as hard as those at NPPD or as deserving. Furthermore I'd stick out my neck and say that we could take the top 2 paid folks in human resources in private industry here in town and their salaries wouldn't total that of Roy Steiner. This would lead me to question who Mr. Asche is referring to when he want's to compare private industry. I just don't understand how the v.p. of cust. ser. can get that kind of money. It's not like NPPD has any competition in town. What do you do if you don't like your power companies customer service? Turn your power off? Ron Asche should be ashamed of himself for trying to justify such wasteful spending, not only during these economic times, but any other time. His comment that these people work hard and earn their money is a slap in the face to those in private industry working just as hard for 25% of the pay for simular positions. Ron, let me help you out, right now in private industry people have lost there company match for 401k contributions. Executives of well run companies are not receiving bonuses. Raises have been frozen. People have even take pay decreases. 32 hour work weeks aren't uncommon. Unemployment is increasing at an alarming rate and yes, people are making a choice of paying their electric bill or putting food on the tabel. Yes Ron, grown men will be laying there head down tonight in tears because they don't have $100 for food for their kids. I'd challange every exec on that list to not buy a new car, plasma tv, or new boat with that money but seek out someone who's lost their job or is falling on hard times and lend a helping hand. After all, we're led to believe you'd all go without the increase. Could you imagine what good could come out of $127,456 for those in need right now, and that's just the raises from the people on this list. What about the rest of NPPD?

What many don't realize is that - in the same meeting - the NPPD Board of Directors also made more than $40 million in decisions on the equipment, fuel (nuclear, wind etc.), transportation, staffing, engineering , and utility assets necessary to keep power available to a majority of the state 24x7, including those businesses for which you who criticize work.

This amount in collective salary increase for individuals responsible for more than 2,200 employees and $4 billion in assets (including more than a half a dozen power plants, hundreds of substations, more than 5,000 miles of power lines, buildings and warehouses, telecommunications and computer network, etc.) that represents only .003 percent of the financial requirements approved in one month to operate one of the state's largest electric utilities.

Put it in context.

If I were the people who's salaries were listed in the paper, I would be embarrassed! I was brought up not to discuss money or how much something costs, to anyone. All I have to say is......To whom much has been given, much is expected! Hope to see you all volunteering or giving back to this community which supports NPPD.

We live in a town that is being struck by lay-offs, down-sizings, and just plain jobs lost. I guess I don't really understand. The story says anyone said they would willing to pass on their raise. How many of them actually said no to their raise? I think if a person is making the kind of money that is in the $100,000 and up range, they should be able to just keep their salary and be content. I don't mind people making good money but when making $200,000 is not an incentive to do your job right then they need to be given a salary that might make them appreciate those salaries; say eight dollars an hour with no insurance.

To Out of Touch - The salaries of these executives are being compared to the private utility business, not local private industry. One of NPPD's former CEO's is now likely making seven figures in a comparable position at a private utility.

To Speechless, I'm sure they did not ask for their salaries to be disclosed, public disclosure laws make them public knowledge.

Until you walk in their shoes, make the decisions they make, and live with the pressures of running a company with over a billion dollars of assets, all the while keeping electric rates comparably low, it's best not to criticize.

I have started to comment on this several times and each time decided that teh comments of the Board and Mr. Ashce can't be accurate. But the Telegram is usually very accurate in their reporting. So I'll tell you what really bothers me about this. I have been a manager in various capacities for 30 years and have worked for 4-5 different companies. I have never worked at a company where the CEO or the board let the employees dictate the amount of their salaries or salary increases. Yet in this article Board member Gary Thompson, of Beatrice, said discussions were held prior to the proposal and he noted, “they all said they would go without a raise.” It would appear that what Mr. Thompson is saying is that Stu Minahan, Brian O'Grady, Pat Pope, John McClure, Traci Bender, Ed Wagner, Roy Steiner, Donna Starzac and Jan Modelski told the Board and Mr. Asche that "either you give me a huge raise so that I am making as much as other people that have jobs like mine or I am leaving NPPD!" I think I can say with 100% confidence that employees have tried this type of thing at all of places where I have worked at one time or another, and the standard response from board members and the CEO to these people was, "That is fine with us. Just don't let the door hit you on your butt when you leave!" I have never seen an employee try to blackmail a Board or CEO in my life and get away with it.........until now! I would ask that everyone remember this when their respective NPPD Board representative comes up for re-election. And if anyone would like to picket outside the Board member's and CEO's houses until then, I would be more than happy to join you.

Ok, I'm trying to decide which is the biggest sin here....envy or greed....

Did any of you commenting on the NPPD salary increase read the article Loup has lowest overall rates? While Loup does generate some of it's power the majority is purchased from NPPD. Why do we have the lowest electricity in the state? Because ALL of the public power employees are very good at their jobs. Please keep up the good work.

The best part of this is that when the Telegram got a hold of the NPPD employee salary information a few weeks ago, many NPPD employees called the paper and canceled their paper subscriptions in an attempt to threaten the Telegram about releasing this information. No wonder they didn't want the public to know...

To Brutus
Their salary should be compared to Public Utility Business. You said they are compareed to Private Utility Business. Sorry dude but there is a big difference with someone like Midwest, a private Utility where the last NPPD CEO is now working and making over $400k. NPPD salarys should be compared to a Public Utility. I do not believe any of the NPPD officers could operate in the real world (like private utility)where their job depended on showing a profit to the shareholders. And as far as the Board Members, most of them would have trouble changing a light bulb. They are just looking for their Health Insurance and some money to help out their retirement. The biggest problem is none of the Board Members would be considered if wanting a position on a private utility board.

More money going to their top execs is a good thing since wasting money is a specialty for them. They are wasting a lot of money on their SAP system for talent management. With better/ best of breed solutions that cost less money and do more, the leaders at NPPD ignore these solutions only to pump more money into the SAP products that don't work, and are hated by NPPD employees that are forced to use them on a daily basis.

This is absolutely unbelievable = how can they keep raising our rates and give bonuses like that to people.

Uncalled for.

Next election - time for some board member changes.

OK, I can only imagine the comments that are NOT being shared due to foul language about this topic. The fact that these clowns even have a job now surprises me. Are these people elected or appointed? Or should I say annointed? Do what you can legally to get these board members out of their positions and don't let any more of them in. It's THAT simple! Stop taking it and do something about it!

If this information is correct = time to recall some board members.

When we pay law enforcement, teachers, factory workers salaries in the 30000-40000 RANGE - this is uncalled for.

Hopefully these people will decline their raises and get their salaries back to where they belong.

Nothing to do with NPPD but about hospitals giving millions in free service???? Why don't they tell people who are having a hard time of it or can't afford medical treatment that such a thing exists.They charge enough the way it is.I know for a fact that if you can not afford treatment,they have to give it to you at no cost in order for them to qualify for government assistance.They don't tell anyone that because they don't want to go thru the paper work.What a shame that people are so wrapped up in things that they won't take the time to volunteer this assistance. Instead ,they would rather scare you with collection agencies and so on.If it is available for low or no income persons, it should be out in plain sight for all to see.Instead, they would rather hide the fact.SHAME !!!!!

"Not complaining-Did any of you commenting on the NPPD salary increase read the article Loup has lowest overall rates? "

yes i did read the article and know i have my answer to why there was a 5% increase not to long ago.

bigger picture..........we, the "ordinary" people in this country are tired of greedy folks like you justifying things. It's only .oo3 percent of the budget doesn't make it any easier for people to swallow, except you fat hogs at the trough. This is similar to Obama justifying earmarks because it's less than .001% of the federal budget. You and your greedy pigs at the trough can justify your greed in your minds any way you want, but it will never justify your greed to those of us that work as hard or harder than you for far less. I heard every night on tv how there was an earmark worth millions to study hog oder. I think we just found out where the oder was coming from. I have no idea what an assistant treasurer or assistanct secretary do, but there isn't a secretary or treasurer in this state making that kind of money, yet alone an assistant. By the way, who are they assisting and why didn't the post their salaries. VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!!!!!!! Joe Held for NPPD board?

At a time when we are facing the worst recession in 60 years, this is nothing but a slap in the face of NPPD's customers. When most people in the Columbus area are not even sure of keeping their jobs, let alone get a pay raise this year.
The entire public power system should be privatized. It is a a relic left-over from the FDR New Deal days. I urge everyone to contact their state representative and the governor's office. After all, Heinemann is always preaching about economy.

"...THE FACTORY WORKERS ARE WORKING THIER BUNS OFF DOING MANUAL LABOR FOR 12 HRS BEING AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES,NOT GETTING TO SLEEP IN, NOT GETTING TO GO TO CHURCH..."

Yep, been there, done that. Went to the college up on hill (CCC-Platte)because I found complaining about factory work isn't as rewarding as getting out of it.

I didn't expect such a level of jealousy over success outside the government project housing, though.

Since they already said they would do without the raise, why not let them take the money and DONATE it to a good cause--then they'd be heros and people would not rag on them.

No one on earth is worth that much money. I still can't believe it.

Wow I did not need to know this, I was feeling sick on how things were going already!!!

I can't really say whether these salaries are excessive, though they do seem a bit high for Columbus, Nebraska, and more importantly, for a public utility. I simply wanted to comment on the you-get-paid-for-responsibility falacy. What are the chances that anyone dies if one of these executives makes a poor decision? How much time do these people have to make a really important decision? Weeks? Months? Maybe even years to consult with each other and come up with a decision. Now contrast that with "Sully" Sullenberger, who had seconds to make his life saving and correct decision to ditch in the Hudson River. This was followed by a near flawless execution of his hastily conceived plan. What does "Sully" make in a year? After his years of pay cuts(about 40% according to his testimony before congress), about $150,000. When you factor in the reponsibility, training, experience, and dare I say talent, does he deserve to make less than an assistant treasurer in a public utility? How about 41% of a ceo for this same utility? My point really is, you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate. Executives are in a great negotiating position, while airline pilots are severely hampered by the Railway Labor Act in how they can negotiate and bring pressure on their employers. That's life and that's business, fair or not.

Well Columbus NE, I agree that these salaries are too high, but if you want to complain about your dead end factory job, you have the option of furthering your education just as much as the next person. You cant complain you cannot afford it either as the government will give you a handout to do so (maybe even a paycheck). All the while those that have busted their rears to earn money to save for college will all see that leave their account and then some in a student loan. I guess life isnt always fair.

It's not going to any good what so ever to beach about these raises, it's already cut and dried, the working peole are scr-wed to pay for these well deserved raises, {lol}

Just to somewhat parrot chicago mike. Talk about life and death decisions. I know lots of people who rely and depend on registered nurses to make life and death decisions everyday. Many of these professionals work for institutions that are open 24/7. They work 8-12 hours at a time, and often have too many patients than they should have to care for. However, I have never seen an RN make a wage any where close to those listed here. However, the physicians are most likely making this and more-

To "I understand both sides" You are one of those people who think it is all about you and love to BRAG! I have a brother in law like you. Maybe you are him? HA!

you all need to get a life...we all know that you would NOT turn down a pay like this if you could get one. And if a job opened up for NPPD that you WOULD be applying.

As an ex-employee who got tired of the crap years ago and moved out of Columbus I thought I would stir the pot alittle more. Check their benefit packages! They get a health care package the common man couldnt afford. These people should make more than the common worker but should also be aware of the pain their common workers feel. They dont feel the pain in times like these and should not get huge raises until things recover.

This is why these executives make what they make, TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!! They constantly have to listen and respond professionally to comments that frequently consist of people complaining just to be complaining. If you don't like what you are doing, go to college, get the student loans and get a better job. Or better yet, move to a communist country where everything is completely "equal" and see how you like it there.

ex employee,
I pay $275/mo for my insurance and it has a $500 deduct. per person. Not bad, but not great. You could work at Hamilton maning the phones and get BCBS health care insurance free. They have a lower deduct plus only pay $25 for a Dr.'s appointment.
Probably a good reason why you are and EX!

Dear Been There Done That (and a couple others), If everyone "went up on the hill and got out of the dead end factory job" as you propose, who do you think will be doing the factory work? More illegals? Give yourself a little reality check. Those who work there to provide America with it's needs ARE more important than you paper pushers. We NEED their services, not yours. PS, I am not a factory worker but I do respect those who produce for America. Try being proud of THEM for a change.
Maybe the raise wouldn't have been so difficult to swallow if they had held off for 6 months or a year to see if the economy will turn around. If they think in this economy that they can leave Columbus and jump into a high paying cushy job maybe they should talk to all the out of work big shots who are even bigger than they are in the southwest and California. Reality Check!
Nebraska is a great place to live, our cost of living is lower and thus the salaries should reflect this.

There seem to be two different issues here: 1) The salaries, and 2)the raises.

I have no problem with the salaries. If these were jobs in Lincoln or Omaha, no one would bat an eye. Sure, they're high this community, but thats not the point. These are positions for a "statewide" company that just happens to be headquartered here. And thank goodness we have NPPD, as those high paid professionals buy cars and build homes here.

If a UNL defensive coordinator can make $250,000 a year, why can't someone running a nuclear power plant make $270,000?

I didn't know Columbus was filled with so many crybaby liberals. You should all be praising the capitalist system that made these people wealthier. Instead, alot of you are complaining like a bunch of socialists. The nerve of you people. When NPPD raises their rates on citizens yet again this year and gives themselves 7 or 8% raises next year, I'll bet you liberals will be crying about that too. Silly fools, how do you expect NPPD to create jobs that way? God bless capitalism, NPPD, and America.

You don't need any of the "paper pusher" jobs huh??? I doubt you would still think that if engineers, architects, inspectors, etc would not provide their paper pushing services anymore. You would have facilities crumbling, burning down, etc without professional adivce on how to construct properly.

Looks like a lot of coveting going on in and around Columbus. A private electric utility would have much higher salaries and raises compared to the public utilities in this state. You should thank public power everytime you turn on a light or use an electric appliance.

Unbelievable and a good example of is wrong in the US!!! Just like AIG; if everyone is so good at their jobs that they have to have pay raises or unearned bonuses to keep them, then how come everything is coming apart at the seams? Are they deserved raises or just raises to keep them happy campers?

Shame on them from A to Z and shame on the employees if they take them. I am sure there are many things that company could do to make it easier on the citizens of Columbus vs giving those raises. Silly me for thinking they might consider that.

Wow, I think we should all complain really loud, and drive NPPD out of Columbus. They don't belong here. They should take all these high paying jobs and leave and find a new corporate home in a new community. At least that's what I'd do if I was the CEO of NPPD. Leave all of you whiners and complainers, leave their homes, and the homes of the other 2000+ employees that live here, pay taxes here, buy goods and services here. Complain all you want, but look at the bottom line of what this does to our economy here in Columbus-like it or not, these people and NPPD are part of the backbone of Columbus, and if they go, the entire ecomomy of Columbus would be shaken to it's core. I for one am still glad that we are a capitalist society, and so far the government hasn't put a cap on how much a person can earn in their jobs. I know that day is coming, and from reading the comments on here, I see that it appears that Columbus is already there. If you take into account that NPPD serves over a million customers, this entire pay increase comes out to be less than 13 cents per customer. 13 cents. Let's get some perspective here folks. I know Obama is telling us that times are aweful, but even I can afford may share of this increase.

Good for them!!I would never turn down that money, I got kids to get thru college someday, but what I would like to know is what they did to get that extra dough? Did they start working more hours or take on more responsibility, go for extra schooling? I think there should be some justification of this money (at least to all the employees).I Hope rates don't have to go up because of it!! And one more thing... I WANT TO BE A ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND MAKE $56,000!!!!!!!!!!!!WOW!!!

To Insider....

Seems that the NPPD Employee attempt to keep their salary information private worked through canceling subscriptions. Columbus Telegram was too scared to publish them!

Do you people have any idea what NPPD has done for the community of Columbus and how much of that money comes right back to you us? These are highly skilled professionals who have put in a lot of time and hard work to get where they have gotten. They earned every last dollar! The salaries are not at all higher than anywhere else in the country and Columbus should feel blessed that there is such an opportunity in the middle of absolutely nowhere! I suggest if any of you want to get a high paying job at NPPD, you start considering degrees in...oh I don't know, maybe Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, etc. I am not even talking about undergrad degrees, you are going to need MBA's and MA's and other further education. Furthermore, a bunch of incredibly intelligent and wise people, the NPPD board, made an educated decision for rewarding good work at NPPD. Good work like keeping electricity rates reasonable, which is the number one goal of NPPD. Don't be so jealous folks, they earned it.

Jealous, Jealous, Jealous.

MYOB!!!!!!!!!!!

I heard this morning that someone was going to pay the Telegram to print the list this Sunday.

Hope they publish all the salary info they requested which includes Loup, Cornhusker and the Columbus Public School System. The last one will put to rest all the speculation about teachers pay.
To Ryan:
Heard they are being paid to print all of the real names of those who posted also. GET A CLUE!

I remember in 1969 & 1970 when several of the public utilities in Nebraska were merging, NPPS, Consumers and Platte Valley and the corporate headquarters was planning to be located elsewhere instead of Columbus. The city theatened to sue when this was discovered. The city said if the headquarters was not located in Columbus, this city would not be fit to live in and tumble weeds would be blowing down 13th St. They begged the newly merged company (NPPD) to locate here in Columbus. This city would look alot different if NPPD had not located here. So you people with the sour grapes should be thankful you live in a community with a company of this stature.

You are right - this wouldn't happen in private enterprise because nobody would get to see the salaries if NPPD weren’t a PUBLIC utility. Managed by a board that YOU voted in….. if you didn’t vote, you don’t have any right to complain. If you didn’t know who you were voting for and just picked one, you don’t get to complain either.

Did any of you ever stop to think that maybe, just MAYBE this is the Columbus Telegram's way to increase their bottom line? What better way to increase sales and news than to cause a community to turn against itself? They are the ones who requested the salaries, they are the ones who wrote a story with the intent of raising your discontent. Who benefits from this story? Not you, not me, and not NPPD… just the telegram. Let’s see if their journalistic integrity holds up long enough to publish this!

They are seriously going to print the salaries of the entire company?? That will do wonders for NPPD's employees. I can imagine the amount of bickering amoungst co-workers. Nothing good can come from that.

While the salaries are certainly not in sync with the median household income for Columbus, they are COMPLETELY in sync with the median average for the industry in which they work. They aren't a bank losing people's 401k's while walking away with $230 million dollar bonuses....they are business men and women who are faced with the tough task of providing affordable, efficient, reliable and environmentaly friendly energy going forward in our society. Thus, they are paid as such.

Someone who runs a restaurant and works with a budget of $100,000 a year makes $35,000......Someone who runs a power company with a budget of MULTI-MILLIONS OF DOLLARS makes $350,000 a year.

I'm sure that most of us, myself included, get a little green when it comes to things like this. Heck, it'd be GREAT to make that kind of money.

But, they went to school, worked hard and got to where they are. I know a couple of them, and they are, indeed, very intelligent, hard working people who deserve what they get for the responsibility they have.

Not everybody can do what they do.
This is called life, people.

I don't think all the negative reactions are solely due to jealousy. We're all capitalists here and everyone has the opportunity to earn whatever they're worth. During a booming economy, I don't think anyone would've blinked at these pay increases.

But when other local industries are laying off workers and cutting their hours, and small business owners are struggling to keep their doors open, for NPPD to increase electrical rates and then hand out these generous pay raises, that's just poor judgment.

I was talking about the boards health package vs. the employees package. Read this list of posts, thats why I am an ex employee and resident.

The NPPD Board Of Directors are chosen by everyone that has posted on this article. They are publicly elected officials. If you really feel that there is a problem, the it is up you to exercise your right to vote. If you did not vote in the last election you have no business complaining. Period.

For those of you who are aghast at the salary of the "assistant secretary," please note that this is the assistant secretary to the board, titled "assistant" only because the board has a position of "secretary" that is occupied by a board member. The assistant secretary's job is not a clerical position, although there is a lot of clerical work involved. It is a professional-level position requiring a college degree. If you'd like to have 11 bosses, and all of the personalities and egos that involves; if you'd like to work with several more individuals who act at various times as your quasi-bosses; if you'd like to hold a position in which an entire organization looks to you for information and for which you are accountable to testify in a court of law about the business records of such organization, should the occasion arise; if you'd like to study Robert's Rules of Order to become intimately familiar with the rules of parlimentary procedure in order to ensure such rules are observed during one- and two-day board meetings that you're responsible to prepare for, attend and produce a record of monthly; if you'd like to ensure that all notices dealing with board meetings are accurate and are published in a timely manner in accordance with state statutes; if you'd like to oversee the election process for 11 board members, working with the Secretary of State and (once again) in accordance with public information laws; if you'd like to put in the overtime required on a regular basis to prepare for and attend all of the board functions (with no overtime pay, since you're salaried); if you'd like to deal gracefully and effectively with the "politics" that all of the above entails; and if you'd like to do it all for half of what the assistant secretary makes, then have at it. And no, I'm not the assistant secretary, but at least I'm informed as to what the job entails, which might be advisable for you, as well, before you shoot your mouth off.

I would sure like to pay the rates for electricity that you people pay back in Nebraska, and Columbus in particular. Whether this management team gets credit for these low rates, I honestly don't know. I do know that NPPD has been a great source of white-collar jobs for Columbus, and losing them would be a terrible blow for the local economy. Having said that, I think people are certainly within their rights to question the salaries of people they ultimately pay. The board that awarded these pay rates is also within their rights to ignore them, though at their peril come election time. The problem with executive pay in general, and not NPPD in particular, is the relationship of the executives and the boards that are responsible for their compensation packages. Let's face it folks, when you and I attempt to get a raise, whether on our own or through a union, we are in a highly confrontational situation. The management team across the table will fight you for every penny, because their job is to get you to work for as little as possible. Now contrast this with management and their often incestuous relationship with the board of directors. These people play golf together, their wives play bridge together, and most importantly, they serve on boards of directors for each others corporations. Is it any wonder CEO pay has gone through the roof? In the case of NPPD, there doesn't seem to be any impropriety, but management still gets to ride the wave of inflated salaries caused by this "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" syndrome.

to get informed before commenting.....
As i stated in my previous post,, may sound like sour grapes,, but hey,,,
I don't care what kind of job you have,, We are all accountable to SOMEONE...
You can get on here and start spewing about this needed accountability,, needed knowledge, degree,needing to be held responsible for others actions,,, yadda yadda, yadda....
Here again, as in a previous post,, take note of the needed accountability of the medical professions., law enforcement, childcare,factory productions for good products used to save lifes. The list goes on.
So don't get on that almighty high horse and think that what people have posted, has not been some informed or credible posts.
If you are in actuality a person in the working field, working for a living, you can relate to how this topic could and does chafe a person.
I for one, can and do put in a 60 hour plus work week , at times, have no social life due to being drop dead as*ed tired,can't justify spending dollars on movies or eating out, when there are bills that need paid. Yet still have to scrimp to get the utilities paid, insurances and taxes, and the list goes on. I am no one special. I am only one person of the population of columbus who knows one has to make an honest living, or should i say existance.
So yes, it is a kick in the teeth to see some one get such an exoberant pay raise, at this economically trying time.
So if you call this shouting off my mouth,, well bang- bang...
Guess i was with the sad misconception that this was what these forum posts were for.

The bad decisions that your OVERPAID execs make spill over into the rest of the state. What you have done at the Sutherland plant is a crime. Forty eight irrigation wells to a tune of $12,000,000 that are not being used. Even if they were being used, water tables are dropping in the western end of the state. Maybe it is time for some investigation into this company. I agree with Fred. The NPPD Board needs to be impeached. A bad economy is not the time to give such raises. Shame on you!

The best solution to the problem would be to move the headquarters to Omaha or Lincoln where the salaries would be more inline with the area. I'm sure those communities would love 800+ jobs. There really is no logical business reason why it is located in Columbus anyway and wouldn't be if not for politics. It certainly would be easier to recruit and keep top talent.

To:Get informed before commenting-Where would one get that kind of info you just spewed, since there is no job opening in that area, how would I find out just what an Assistant Sectretary does there? You also sound a bit peeved. No one has said yet what justified these raises? Will they tell us? Sure most deserve a raise once in a while, but to this scale, and in these stale times why not what until the economy turns upward, I'm sure they aren't starving.

So, how would the execs at NPPD make everybody's lives better if they DIDN'T take the raises?

Would some of you feel better if all these people (and everybody else)had to work 60 hours a week to barely pay the bills? If so, why?...

Instead of asking "Why is he/she making so much money?", maybe you should be asking your boss (or yourself) "Why am I not making more?

Just a thought, how did you all react with AIG's bonuses and also the auto industry bonuses?? At a time like this its a kick in the teeth to any normal person.

The board should be ashamed of themselves for not using common sense. Not one of them voted against this. Why not give them a raise but give them the % of what the groud troops received. I'm with some others. Time to vote for some different leadership.

For a true comparison, I would like to see the salaries of other execs in the area. What do the CEOs of BD, Behlen, First National, Loup, Vishay etc. make? What about similar positions in Norfolk, Fremont and Grand Island?

I highly doubt that Ron Asche is the highest paid person in Columbus.

Figured this discussion woulda been done by now...

To...To Ryan

You should take up a collection at Loup, Cornhusker, NPPD to NOT post their salaries on Sunday. Bet that would be worth more!

It really scares me that so many people are sooo upset about these pay raises. Every single one of you have had the same opportunities that the executives have had to better yourselves. I myself had to start off in the military and make next to nothing for 6 years. I am extremely proud of those years. I now make a respectable wage in the job that I have. I wonder what you would be saying about me if you knew my salary. But you think that it shouldn't matter how hard you work, everyone should get the same or similar pay. Wake up Columbus. People like you are pushing our country towards communism or socialism. Ask those who live in Cuba how they like it. Or better yet, if you don't like how things work in this country, leave.

I think the Columbus Telegram made a very poor decision in reporting this news article. Lets report the news folks, not just a one sided attack on a specific industry, if your going to publish information lets keep it above the line and show what some of the other local industry executives are pulling down for salaries while they are laying people off and downsizing. NPPD has a very good record of maintaining the lowest electric rates of many surrounding states all while maintaining a workforce whithout the needless layoffs that you see in many other industries. I dont care what many of you have said if it weren't for the cheap and reliable electricity in this state our standard of living would be nowhere near what it is today, and if these executives feel that they need a little more so be it.

I applaud your assessment that the Telegram could choose better topics. Many have mentioned the Obama administration and some have referenced nuclear power.

The energy industry is changing dramatically (it's all over the regular news) and we have a unique situation right in front of us. Cornhusker serves primarily rural customers, Loup serves the city of Columbus, and NPPD generates power for a bulk of the state. How will the decisions of the Obama administration change your rates if it decides to demand a renewable energy standard - meaning NPPD and others will be forced to increase the amount of power it generates from wind and other renewable resources? What advantages do two nuclear power plants owned and operated by NPPD and OPPD bring to the state? How many jobs? Who in the Columbus community has saved money by taking advantage of the EnergyWise energy efficiency programs offered by Loup and Cornhusker via NPPD? Instead of encouraging such negative reactions from its readers, why doesn't the Telegram generate some positive stories about how many Columbus residents recycle to "live green", how much wind has NPPD and its wholesale customers (like Loup, Cornhusker and the other 73 utilities across the state) brought to the state already, and why is Loup's hydropower plant just as important as its sister renewable source?

But instead the anticipation from readers is about seeing another round of this belittling and below the belt banter between friends and neighbors. Boy we sure know how to "Find it in Columbus," don't we?

I have a good story idea and it even has a headline: "Entrepreneur Readers Start Their Own Newspaper, Positive Stories and Increased Circulation Make Venture Profitable."

Columbus, the city of low individual expectations, no future and hopelessness.

That seems to be the theme of most of the bloggers here, oh me, oh my.

Many of the comments here make me sick. Criticism I can handle but if you don't at least look at the whole picture you fall into the "oh no, this is terrible" trap.

I know someone that is getting back a much larger tax refund than the taxes they paid in, and when you leave it at that many would be outraged. But when you find out that they only made 20k and are a single parent family with two kids I see nothing wrong with it.

Look at the big picture people! These are the top decision makers and top earners out of 2200 employees. If you look at the bottom 100 you would see that NPPD does not give money away to its employees and is simply paying per performance and to keep employees. They have lost several in the past to other utilities and has to stay competitive.

Ask youself this: Do you really want these key decisions, with hundreds of millions at stake, being made by the lowest bidder (meaning salary) executive?

If they were to donate the money they would still get the negative response from most of the people that responded to this article because you wouldn't believe that they had done so.

This is basic class warfare if you don't make enough do something about it I do not begrudge success in fact I would like to make that much someday. I have moved up and down the salary ladder from 14000 a year to 46000 and now 32000 and still looking to move up there are opportunities out there and I have the ambition and desire to get the job that I want. You may call me greedy but I still believe in the American Dream. people need to shut off the news and put down the pitchforks. For the responsibility that they have and the standards we hold them to I feel they are still under payed. the politicians in Washington are the ones who need to take the pay cut.

This is an excellent story. NPPD is a public body and thus its records are clearly open to public review. If the executives don't like it, they can get a comparable job in private industry. NPPD cannot be compared to a private utility or business. NPPD has a total monopoly on electricity and we as ratepayers have no alternative. From a PR perspective, raises like these in these times is a huge disaster and call into question the management skills of NPPD and in fact, should result, in a new management team. The next story should be how many NPPD employees are commenting on this story using public computers and time. That is easily traceable. It is time to look seriously at privatizing NPPD and using the funds to invest in new infrastructure for Columbus' future.

All I can say is that there are some very sheltered people posting here. You comment about how the NPPD doesn't realize that the economy is bad, I would counter with, you have no clue about the electric industry. I used to work at Cooper Nuclear Station and left there solely based on the low total compensation and very weak retirement benefits compared to privately owned plants. As a manager level indivdual working at a privately owned nuclear plant in a state that neighbors NE, I can tell you the pay at NPPD all he way to the CEO level is not competative. I see the cost of living arguement and I can tell you my cost of living is lower then anywere in NE. My property taxes are 20% of what they were in SE NE, for a home that is over 1000 sq ft larger and with 100 more acres.
I will give you some real numbers.... At CNS I made just over $100,000 a year with no bonus structure of any kind and for retirement I would have had my 401K and nothing really for medical.
At my current company my salary is just over $140000. The bonus structure is based on company, plant and my performane and is 25% of my annual salary if all goals are met. If the stetch goals are met it can max out at 50%. In my 5 years here I have never gotten less than 40%. In addition I have recieved a stock bonus of at least 3000 shares (the most being just over 10000) each of those years. With the stock price riding between $120/share down to $43/share. As for retirement benefits they are substantially better. I have my 401k 6% match dollar for dollar, plus an employee saving program in which the company puts an amount equal to 6% of my salary in every year, and finally my retirement medical is basically the same as I have as an active employee except my part of the premium is about 15% higher then my current amount.

I will tell you something else these individuals are probably like me and donate a significant amount to local and national charities, personally I give my entire bonus away every year plus $300 every paycheck goes to my church.

Finally I would say that if you dont like having one of the lowest electric rates in the country, and do not want to support a company that pays these lavish salarys (probably less the 30% of their counterparts in the midwest) then call your local electric company and turn off the power. Electricity is not a necassity to survive it is a LUXURY. It makes you lfe easier, but you could survive without it.

NPPD, does anyone realize NPPD stands for NEBRAKSA public power district, ya know...as in NEBRASKA, not the city of Columbus. What would your opinion of his Salary be if the NPPD general office was located in a Major city instead of Columbus? And also, I'm pretty sure that when there is a BOARD of Directors, it's up to the People to choose them...You can sure point your fingers now but where were any of you at when they were electing the board members? You only have yourself to blame.

Good move , NPPD management. Especially with the hard times people are going thru right now. Heard you guys just raised your irrigation and business rates by 11% last month. Ever heard of the "Frankenstein Theory " ? It states that if you p**s off enough people, sooner or later they will grab pitchforks , light torches , and come after you. Congratulations, I think you are about there,,,,,,,,,,,,,

This has become interesting. Now the Columbus Telegram is taking votes on this issue. The vote was last November and the person you people in Columbus elected, voted for the increases.

First of all, I work at NPPD, so I am biased. Ron Asche is a class individual who is always concerned about the increase in rates - but the price of coal, nuclear, transmission lines (steel, concrete used in building power lines is up). Wait until Obama gets what he wants with cap and trade and carbon allowances - your once low electric bill go through the ceiling. Ron does care about the rates going up. Pat Pope- he keeps your lights on; Ed Wagner - he makes sure all those rural public power districts are kept in the loop on why rates increase; Tracey Bender - outstanding financial person, did a great job in selling bonds in a bad market; Roy Steiner - he wants every employee in the District to go home safe; John McClure - a staunch supporter of public power; Stu Minahan and Brian O'Grady - operate a safe, efficient nuclear power plant.

NPPD operates as a not for profit and everything is cost of service as public power is supposed to be. If you had an investor owned utility here in Columbus you would be paying three times what you pay now for electricity and those executives would be making twice what these folks make. And no publicly elected Board would be around to determine those pay scales.

I am glad the Board voted to give them an increase. And yes, we did receive fair compensation for our performance throughout the company.

We have Jim Dean, Bob Blackman, and Adrian Sanchez hyping this thing with a vote tally. Obviously you folks are very jealous of what NPPD pays - obviously you don't have the qualifications to get a job there.

Did your reporter also note that NPPD spent about 30 million dollars at the same Board meeting (including $14 million for a new building in Norfolk - that $127,00 in salary increases is paltry by comparison. I understand that he doesn't even stick around to find out what is happening and leaves after an hour. Some reporter.

I have noticed that in this slumping economy that businesses such as the Telegram have laid people off. What's your explanation. NPPD has tightened their belts on spending, travel, and other purchases to get through this.

Since the Telegram has decided to make this a devisive issue in Columbus I propose the following and I hope that NPPD employees join in this effort:

1. The Board of Directors begin an intensive search to find a location for the General Office. Kearney appears to be a good centralized location. I'm sure they would welcome those tax dollars that roll into Columbus. Better yet, move it to Lincoln even though they won't be represented in the future on the Board, at least we can help revenue coffers for Mayor Buetel.
2. When you buy groceries at Hy-Vee, drugs at Tooley's and Bob's U-Save, go to restaurants in town, shop at Menard's, have a tire repaired at Schneider's, buying jewelery, or a car, or eating at Valentino's let them know that you work at NPPD and are spending your hard earned cash here in this community (tax $$$$s), cable costs with Time Warner and Frontier, home loans with local financial institutions. Make those business and community members aware of what is being spent in the community . . . and say it loud.
3. I encourage all NPPD employees to drop any United Way support in Columbus and make contributions to United Way organizations in other parts of the state where we have facilities (Norfolk, Kearney, North Platte, Sutherland, Brownville, etc.). Let's see what kind of impact that is. Better yet, let's start a special NPPD Foundation that is funded by the employees with their United Way donations and o it ourselves.
4. Don't cancel your subscription to the Telegram. Just let it expire when due. Face it, you won't miss a whole lot since there is little in the paper
5. Call the Telegram and ask Jim Dean why the Telegram doesn't cover the bigger issues such as what will be the impact on electric customers when Obama gets his cap and trade programs and carbon allowances in place. Those salary increases will be paltry in light of the increases that will be created by the Prez. Face it the telegram and everyone in this community wants electric power so they can respond to things like this. Don't count on wind power to keep the lights on all the time. It won't happen.

Bouquets to Ron, Tracey, John, Ed, Pat and Roy. You folks do an excellent job in providing low cost, reliable electricity and for running a financially conservative, service oriented organization. Brickbats to the Telegram for being divisive in the community and for being a poor example of community journalism. People of Columbus deserve better than this trashy method to discredit.

If you don't like the Board, it you have to wait six years in Columbus to vote again.

I say boycott all business's that use the Telegram to advertise. Ain't going to print theis are you Jim Dean!

The Telegram fails miserably to mention that NPPD put up half a million dollars to cut down on the interest rate for people wanting to buy new energy-saving heat pumps and programmable thermostats. Don't see you guys doing something big on that.

By the way, what is the editorial position of the Telegram, using their unscientific vote. Will Jim Dean and Bob Blackman have the guts to have an editorial position on the salary increases? Or will they make a decision based on individual votes from people who are truly uneducated in public power and how NPPD works. Jim Dean and Bob Blackman - how about you guys come to an NPPD Board meeting, take the time to learn how the industry works, see how it functions and operates befire you make any future decisions.

Check and see what the rates are in neighboring states like Iowa and Kansas that have investor -owned utilities; find out what kind of salaries these CEO's are getting.

By the way, I was offered a position in the private sector recently for a manager's position - $120,000 per year and a leased car with nothing near the responsibilities of what the NPPD CEO or VP's have. I turned it down because Nebraska has a good quality of life.

Dean and Blackman - get your head out of the Telegram office and come to an NPPD Board meeting - I think the next one is like April 8 or 9. Learn about the issues of the electric industry and what is going to happen to your rates and quite worrying about what people get paid.

The salaries and raises are certainly not excessive for everyone listed. Timing, given the economic situation (caused, in part, by CEOs, CFOs and Boards of Directors), is unfortunate but electricity is one of those things all too many take for granted. NPPD does a good job at maintaining the lines energized at a reasonable cost. If the price of electricity was managed similar to gasoline, then there should be some reconciliation. As long as I can turn a switch and my appliances operate as expected (absent some other problem), AND the cost for that expectation is comparable with other goods and services I take for granted, then the people who generate and deliver the electricity I use every day should be compensated accordingly. My read is that they are. Other industries pay better and worse. Be thankful NPPD (and other utilities) doesn't operate like the big three (Ford, GM and Chrysler)or those financial institutions who sold us out. NPPD executives are well compensated (not over and not under). In closing - compensation is a very sensitive subject and everyone has an opinion. Some are based on a broader and deeper understanding of what makes things work, while others take a more simple approach. Either way - I'm certain feelings and opinions will continue through the full spectrum.