Mont. PSC holds executive pay disclosure hearing
Montana PSC to hold hearing on repealing rule requiring disclosure of executive pay
HELENA, Mont. (AP) -- The Montana Public Service Commission is holding a hearing on whether to repeal a requirement that utilities publicly disclose the pay of their top three executives.
Commission Chairman Bill Gallagher says the rule is not necessary and does nothing to make government better.
Another commissioner, Travis Kavulla, says the phone, water, electric and gas companies have legal monopolies and people should know what their top executives' salaries are.
Lee Newspapers of Montana reports the Montana Newspaper Association plans to attend Tuesday's hearing to support the rule.
The PSC passed the requirement in 2010. Mountain Water Co. of Missoula sued, saying it violates the privacy of its employees, with no "compelling state interest."
A settlement of the lawsuit hinges on the PSC repealing the rule.
