Mercer Island Utility Board elects Brian Thomas as chair, sets work plan and franchise review

The Mercer Island Utility Board elected Brian Thomas as chair and Steve Milton as vice chair and adopted a departmental work plan that sets timelines for rate discussions, a planned water supply line project projected for construction in 2026, and a review of the Puget Sound Energy franchise agreement.

Board member Brian Thomas, newly elected chair, said, “Thank you. Thank you. I'm honored.” Staff member Jason (staff) told the board the next formal meeting will be Sept. 9 and that rate discussions will begin then and continue into October and possibly November.

The meeting served as an organizational session and included brief introductions of returning and new members. Board members approved the regular hybrid meeting minutes of March 11, 2025; the motion to approve the minutes was moved by Board member Meredith Lair and seconded by Board member Craig Olsen. One…