1.08.04 M.U.D. Board praises manager by Nancy Gaarder, Omaha World-Herald Board members for the Metropolitan Utilities District clearly are satisfied with their general manager, Tom Wurtz. In December, Wurtz marked his second anniversary in charge of the Omaha-area gas and water utility. He received a 10 percent pay raise that brought his compensation to $195,000. Wurtz took the job in December 2001 at $150,000, significantly below the pay of the person he was replacing, Jerry Radek. At the time of his retirement, Radek made $177,315. Board member Tim Cavanaugh said the pay is well-deserved. "I think we're getting the better end of the deal, especially when you look at what the other utilities are paying," Cavanaugh said. For example, Gary Gates, new chief executive officer of the Omaha Public Power District, is paid up to $324,000. Gates is one of the state's highest-paid public officials. Board member Mark Doyle singled out three accomplishments by Wurtz: Last year, M.U.D. received a much-delayed federal permit that allowed the utility to begin construction of a water plant in western Douglas County. The utility altered its water treatment process to meet a federal mandate that M.U.D. reduce the potential formation of cancer-causing byproducts. Wurtz has done a top-to-bottom examination of staffing. Click here to go to the top of this page

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