This is great news!

 

Here are some of the highlights:

• This year’s successful Stewardship Campaign enabled JUC to make significant progress toward its stated goals:
  • Increase hours for Minister of Pastoral Care? Yes, from .5 to .6 position!
  • Hire a full-time Director of Religious Education? Yes, Ashley Johnson will begin July 1!
  • Fully fund Minister of Social Responsibility? Yes, JUC is now able to fund the entire cost of this position!
  • Assume funding for a part-time assistant for children’s music? Yes, Sarah Billerbeck will continue in this very valuable role next year!
  • Increase hours for Volunteer Coordinator? Yes, position increase from 20 to 24 hours per week!
  • Assume funding for the SOUPPS program? Yes, JUC is now able to fund the entire cost of this vital program!
  • Resume Fair Share giving to the UUA? Not quite, but continuing to improve (see below).
• Receipts from pledged income are estimated at $785,000 (reflecting a discount of a little over 3% of the actual pledged amount of $813,000). Average per unit pledge has increased to $1,600 and average per member pledge has increased to $1,070. Overall, pledges increased 9% over this time last year. Amazing!
• The operating budget reflects income from the Endowment & Memorial Gift Trust ($25,905 for special projects) plus funding to supplement the cost of next year’s Ministerial Intern ($12,600 of the total $20,300 package.)
• The $12,500 balance of the Dave Willard gift continues to partially fund the cost of the Minister of Pastoral Care position.
• For the first time, four special plate collections are included as an income line in the operating budget. Anticipated receipts of $20,000 will be given to recipients recommended by the Social Responsibility Council and approved by the Board.
• All Program Council Groups and Social Responsibility Task Force budget requests were funded with only minor adjustments.
• Proposals for capital improvement projects are included—exterior lighting, sanctuary and so. commons window replacements, signage, sanctuary wall insulation and Priestley rm. carpet—but the funding level is much reduced ($4,000).
• A plan to restructure/refinance debt in 2010 is proposed.
• Denominational Dues reflect a full Fair Share contribution to the Mountain Desert District @ $24/member ($18,600) and an increase to the Unitarian Universalist Association, but not yet full fair share (70% or $25,400, up from $21,760 last year).
• A little over $5,000 is set aside as an operating reserve.

This 2008-09 Operating Budget proposal is a compilation of inputs received from the Program Council Groups, Leadership Committees, ministers and staff. It has been reviewed by the Compensation Committee (personnel section), the Business Council and endorsed by the Board of Trustees for approval by the congregation at the May 18 annual meeting. Two budget forums have been held to receive comments by interested members and friends. With questions or for more information, contact Jim Elliott, Financial Officer (303-432-9110) or Cyndee Dries, Church Administrator (303-279-5282.)