Skagit Public Utility District cleared of retaliation claims

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — An independent report for the Skagit Public Utility District has found that management didn't retaliate against a former district official after she alleged harassment by her then-general manager.

The Skagit Valley Herald reports Vanessa Dales was put on leave from her role as chief financial officer in March while her claims were investigated. She was terminated July 22, within weeks of the report's completion.

Dales had alleged the utility company's management retaliated against her after she accused former General Manager Bob Powell of touching her inappropriately. Dales says she was excluded from meetings and important decisions because of her complaint.

The report found there was no "adverse employment action" against Dales and that she received a salary raise after her complaint. It says insubordination could've led to disciplinary action.