Diocese of Rhode Island
Commission on Finance
Meeting, September 13, 2011
Higgins Room
Present: Robert Bergstrand; Brian Ehlers; The Rev. Dcn Edwin Hallenbeck; Scott Nicholson; The Rev. John Pallard; The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf.
Also present: Canon Ty Creason; Canon Betsy Fornal, Ronald Turnbull.
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by Chair Nicholson. Opening prayer was offered by Bishop Wolf.
The Minutes of the meeting of July 12, 2011 were approved as distributed.
Treasurer’s Report for August 31 was briefly reviewed by Mr. Turnbull. He indicated there are no surprises and that income is in line with prior years at this point in the year.
Apportionment Report through August now shows 42 months of arrears the same as a year ago, while in previous months arrearage was much lower. Churches 2 or more months behind are listed below:
| # | Months in Arr | Parish / Location | Comments | |
| 2010 | 2011 | |||
| 6 | Spec | Spec | St. Michael’s, Bristol | OK per agreed plan of 6/28/11 |
| 19 | 3 | 3 | St. David’s, Cranston | Interim-Self study |
| 36 | 1 | 2 | St. Matthew’s, Jamestown | |
| 38 | 0 | 6 | Christ Church, Lincoln | Interim |
| 43 | 1 | 2 | St. Columba’s, Middletown | |
| 53 | 0 | 2 | Trinity Church, N Scituate | |
| 66 | 2 | 2 | All Saints Memorial, Prov | Interim |
| 78 | 8 | 4 | St. Mark’s, Riverside | Considering merger |
| 82 | 1 | 2 | Holy Trinity, Tiverton | Interim |
| 83 | 3 | 5 | Ascension, Wakefield | |
| 89 | 3 | 3 | St. Mark’s, Warwick | |
| 93 | 4 | 4 | Christ Church, Westerly | Interim |
It was agreed that Chair Nicholson will contact Sr. Wardens of churches that are behind. Several churches are exploring mergers.
Old Business:
• St, John’s Church, Newport has run into some roadblocks, including problems with the Rectory, that have prevented completing a plan for submission to COF.
• Parochial Report Review Committee. Mr Turnbull reminded the COF that this committee, which reviews all reports from churches is in need of members, one lay and two clergy. Mr Bergstrom agreed to serve and Fr Pallard agreed to serve with Fr. Dennis Bucco nominated to be contacted.
New Business:
• St. Mark’s, Warren. Canon Creason presented a best use analysis and appraisal of the current market value report prepared by Leslie Hogan, Hogan Associates Real Estate, Middletown. Following discussion it was Moved, Seconded and VOTED to recommend to Diocesan Council Executive Committee to place both properties on the market with Hogan Associates.
• St. Matthias, Coventry. Canon Creason presented an description and appraisal of the current market value of the house at 1 Rectory Drive, adjacent to the church facility prepared by Brian Carpenter, Long Realty & Insurance Co. Following discussion it was Moved, Seconded and VOTED to recommend to Diocesan Council Executive Committee to place the house on the market with Long Realty.
• Draft Budget. Canon Creason distributed copies of the draft Narrative Budget and the four page summary that will be distributed at the Budget Hearings. COF members were encouraged to attend as they are able. He further noted that planning will begin soon to consider how best to reallocate staff functions to be lost thru personnel reductions.
• Close out of NSF Accounts. Mr. Turnbull reported that three NSF accounts had been closed as their functions had ceased.
• 2010 Church Reports outstanding. A memo from Mr. Batchelor reviewed all reports not received for 2010. Of particular importance are the 2010 Parochial Report; 2010 Annual Treasurer’s Report and 2012 Apportionment Worksheet. These reports are important to the Diocese, and also result in omitting this information from National Church data when not submitted by September 1st. Missing Churches are:
Trinity Church, Newport
St. Paul’s Church, Pawtucket
St. Mary’s Church, Portsmouth
It was agreed that a member of the COF would visit each church to discuss the matter.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 am.
Respectfully Submitted
Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary
Next meeting: October 13, 2011 at 10:00 am. Higgins Room.
