The Board needs to validate by formal vote what we have already agreed to by consensus.  We have been involved in the Decision Together process since January, looking at many possible ways to sustainably pay for a full-time minister and use our funds wisely. We eliminated possibilities such as savings, lowering expenses or selling the building, and we don’t want to even investigate the possibility of renting space in  Temple Emanu-El.  This is a BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT. We have agreed on a general strategy to move into the future sustainably. We need to formally conclude the process by voting.

Here are the two agreed upon proposals, which we more or less outlined in the earlier 16 March email, as follows:

 The two proposals were:

1. We move to actively and energetically pursue the option of generating more income than we are by rental of the sanctuary and gallery space for meetings or gatherings when we are not using it.

2. We move to actively pursue improving the second and third floor of the building in such a way as to allow us to generate enough rental income for hiring a full-time minister, while not adversely impacting our religious education program.

A motion may be made to authorize the Board to borrow money from our investment account to remodel the church to achieve our needed $60,000 yr. income needed in addition to our pledge and other income.