Warren County United Way quits merger talks

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 9:09 PM Friday, September 4, 2009

LEBANON — The Warren County United Way decided to end merger talks with two other area United Ways serving Butler County and Greater Cincinnati.

Warren County United Way President Michael Schepers said Friday, Sept. 4, that no compelling business case was made for a regional agency.

“The business plan produced showed us that there was no cost savings to be realized by the merger,” Schepers said. “We believe there are things we can do collaboratively (to improve fundraising and operations) and we don’t need to go through the pain of a formal merger.”

Schepers said the Warren County nonprofit can better meet local needs, but hopes to work with area United Ways to improve fundraising and relationships with area businesses.

The Warren County United Way is the second to pull out of the merger talks. The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area withdrew from the discussions Aug. 4.

Butler County Common Pleas Judge Michael Sage, who has helped facilitate merger talks, was surprised to learn of Warren County’s decision.

On Monday, Aug. 31, officials decided to suspend discussions for 90 days to rethink plans for the proposed merger in the wake of Dayton’s departure.

Plans for a Nov. 23 meeting are still in place, he said.

“I still believe strongly that it’s in the community’s best interest to have a single United Way,’’ Sage said.

Butler County United Way Board Chairman Bruce Jewett said Warren County United Way officials agreed on a 90-day hiatus.

“What I know is that we are still looking for a regional solution and finding ways to work collaboratively — if not a merger — in ways that are just commonsensical,” Jewett said.

“If it turns out they are not coming to the meeting in November, I would be certainly disappointed. But, I’m confident we will still find ways to work together in a formal or informal way that’s right for the community.’’

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