United Way talks merger

By Sharon Salyer

Herald Writer

The United Way agencies in Snohomish and King counties have been discussing the possibility of a merger for several months, officials said yesterday.

If approved, the change likely would occur in the first half of 2003, said Jon Fine, president and chief executive officer of United Way of King County.

"We’re considering the pros and cons," Fine said. "We’re more concerned about doing the right thing than doing something rapidly."

Brent Stewart, president of United Way of Snohomish County, said he first met with his counterpart in King County a little more than a year ago to talk about "things we can work on together that would benefit the people of both communities."

"Jon and I got pretty excited about the opportunities and decided to start talking with our respective boards and volunteers about it," Stewart said. "We’re still kind of far away from deciding if there are more benefits to combining than risks."

Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel co-chairs a 15-member committee of United Way volunteers in both counties that is analyzing how the two organizations could work together.

"We’re not operating on an assumption," Drewel said, adding that before any recommendation is made on bringing the organizations together, contacts would be made with local organizations and supporters.

"If we get a resounding ‘no,’ I don’t believe the respective boards of the organizations would allow it to happen," Drewel said.

One of the worries is that supporters in both counties might feel that their respective organizations would lose their local feel and focus.

"That is our greatest fear," Drewel said. "To lose that community touch is certainly something that everybody was concerned about."

Stewart acknowledged that if it seems to make sense to combine both organizations, it would be natural for employees to wonder about their future.

"It would not be our intent to reduce staff right away," he said.

Asked if he had worries that he might lose his own job, Stewart responded: "Right now, I haven’t thought about that. … I can’t allow my personal interest to get into it."

Fund-raising is one example given by Stewart and Fine as an area where it might be beneficial to combine efforts.

"If we could combine and coordinate a little better, it will benefit Snohomish County and King County as well," Stewart said.

Snohomish County is the home of another major social service organization, Volunteers of America, that combined with its King County affiliate in January 1999 and now serves all of Western Washington.

"There were not jobs lost as a result," spokesman Shelby Sutton said.

Linda Carl has headed the United Way campaign for Edmonds employees for three years. Since so many city workers live in one county and work in the other, "it strikes me as a workable idea, something to look into," she said of the possible merger.

"I think this initially does sound like an exciting concept," Carl said. "I would be very curious how it might work out."

You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486

or send e-mail to salyer@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

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

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.