As I finish this article, we faced with a nearly $60,000 budget shortfall. What does this mean? Why did it happen and how do we remedy this issue? The Temple has run minor deficits normally affecting our June budget and we have rebounded from it.
Nearly $45,000 of this shortage comes from unrealized dues payments. Over 100 congregants still needed to address outstanding bills, both small and large. The Executive Board has attempted to contact congregants having outstanding balances either by phone or mail already. I ask those congregants to deal with this issue now, in whatever manner you can!
If you are behind in your dues and are facing extenuating financial hardship, please reach out to myself or David Goldshall, Dues Manager. Our flexible, non-judgemental and confidential dues-abatement application process is decided by three people, and we have never turned anyone down. But, we must have a conversation so that we can plan realistically for the rest of this year.
Your participation in our Voluntary Dues program introduced this year, for those who can and are willing to pay more than the required dues. has never been more critical. Please contact me if you can donate more.
We have requested a line of credit from New Alliance Bank to help manage this short-term crisis. Donors to our Eternal Light Endowment Campaign have been asked to donate directly to the Temple for 2009. Other possible donations are currently being sought as well.
Mindful of the continuing economic challenges we face in our community, the board has developed a budget for 2009-2010 that reflects both increases in revenue and decreases in spending in order to minimize budget gaps like those we face right now.
Four main points of the budget we are proposing for next year to Congregation include:
*We are planning an increase of 1.75% in dues for next year. There are no planned increases in school tuition or for any other fees.
*We have reduced projected administrative costs by almost $20,000.
*Salaries and hourly wages are being held at current rates for the upcoming fiscal year.
*Continued input from congregants and the need for expense savings have led the board to plan High Holiday Services at the temple and not use area schools or hire a student rabbi.
*To help congregants who prefer to use credit cards, we will accept charge cards for dues under a four payment plan (with a possible a fifth payment for religious school tuition if applicable). The congregant will be responsible for applicable service fees,
*All congregants must pay their July and August bills (and tuition if applicable) prior to receiving any High Holiday Tickets. Those who require abatements will need to contact us before the holidays to make appropriate arrangements.
Click here to review the proposed 2009-2010 Budget.
I encourage you to attend our Temple Information Session on Sunday, May 17th at 9:30 AM to discuss any of these proposed policies and the proposed budget.
Sincerely,
Daryl Worobow