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Sedro‑Woolley officials warn failed NWRC RFP could disrupt senior meal services
Summary
City administrator Charlie told the council NWRC received no responses to its countywide nutrition RFP; the city is pressing for extended interlocal agreements and meeting NWRC and county officials to avoid a July 1 disruption of senior meal services.
City administrator Charlie briefed the Sedro‑Woolley City Council on March 11 about an unfolding risk to countywide senior nutrition services after the Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) closed a request for proposals with no respondents.
"Their RFP closed last Wednesday, and they received no responses," Charlie said, describing the outcome as a significant operational challenge because NWRC controls key state and federal grant funding and must name a single countywide provider to receive those funds. He told the council the city has three months to help shape a transition and is meeting NWRC and county staff on March 16 and March 19 to seek clarity and to press for a seamless handoff.
Charlie outlined four possible responses: (1) a nonprofit steps in to operate the countywide meal program; (2) a regional kitchen partnership (for example, Burlington’s commercial kitchen) is developed; (3) the city provides services directly; or (4) continue receiving contracted services from the county. He said each option has tradeoffs, noting federal grant strings can make rapid transitions difficult.
Councilmembers expressed concern about the short timeline, the RFP’s scope and turnaround, and the risk that seniors could lose congregate and delivery services. Councilmember Henderson said the county and NWRC have not included cities early enough in the process and urged negotiating an extended interlocal agreement so the senior center and nutrition services remain available while a durable solution is crafted.
Charlie said staff will continue negotiations and recommended the council remain prepared to support interim measures. No final policy decision was taken at the meeting; staff will report back after the March meetings with county and NWRC officials.
