County council presses a raise for prosecutor

By Warren Cornwall

Herald Writer

The Snohomish County prosecutor would get a raise of several thousand dollars under a proposal now before the county council.

Council chair Gary Nelson has revived a plan to have the prosecutor paid as much as Superior Court judges, a $3,000 difference this year.

The previous council rejected a similar plan, against the recommendation of the county’s salary commission. That commission periodically studies what to pay county elected officials, and submits its proposal to the council.

Nelson, who voted for the raise in 2001, said he felt it was fair because even though county voters elect the prosecutor, the person is actually a state officer, like a judge.

The salary increase, if approved, wouldn’t begin until 2003. That’s after the November election for prosecutor, a race that now includes current prosecutor Jim Krider, a Republican, and Democrat Janice Ellis, a former deputy prosecutor and assistant attorney general.

Krider had supported the salary increase in 2001, but wasn’t aware that the proposal was getting a second look, Nelson said. The prosecutor now earns $117,312, while a Superior Court judge makes $120,144. The county pays half of the prosecutor’s salary, with the remainder coming from the state.

Democrats controlled the council in 2001 when the council voted 3-2 not to tie the prosecutor’s salary to judges’ pay.

Councilman Kirke Sievers said he rejected the commission’s proposal then because he wanted the council to keep control over the salaries of all the county elected officials. He stood by that position this week.

"I felt that he should be treated like all the rest," he said.

But Nelson, then the council’s sole Republican, attributed the outcome to the outspoken opposition of councilwoman Barbara Cothern, who opted not to seek reelection in November 2001.

"I know it didn’t pass because Barbara Cothern didn’t like it," he said.

Nelson said the council could always reclaim control of the prosecutor’s salary if they weren’t happy with the raises set by the state. Three other counties, Yakima, Pierce and Kitsap, use the judge’s salary as a benchmark, according to a 2001 salary commission report.

Republicans took control of the council in the November election, and hold a 3-2 majority.

Krider said he continues to support the increase because a prosecutor’s work is similar to that of a judge’s, and because other counties are linking pay for the two positions.

"I’ve always thought it was a good idea. I have not asked that it be brought up again," Krider said. "I just think it’s a good idea for whoever’s prosecutor."

But Ellis said she didn’t support a raise for elected officials when the county is faced with tighter finances.

"It just appears to me to be an effort by Jim Krider to swell his salary," she said.

You can call Herald Writer Warren Cornwall at 425-339-3463 or send e-mail to cornwall@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Rick Steves launches $1M match challenge for Lynnwood Neighborhood Center

The $64.5 million Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will house several community spaces and partner with local nonprofits.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Council denies latest Eastview Village appeal

Council members affirmed previous approvals of the development planned off Cathcart Way near Highway 9.

Everett
Everett police: Man sold drugs to woman prior to fatal overdose

The man, who faces a charge under the state’s controlled substance homicide law, remains in Snohomish County Jail on more than $1M bond.

Missing Marysville boy, 10, found safe and sound

Police said the boy was last seen Sunday morning before leaving to go for a run at a nearby middle school.

Red tape hangs in the front of the entrance to a burned down Center for Human Services building along 204th Street on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood fire destroys behavioral health nonprofit building

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The building housed an intensive mental health support program for youth and families.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.