Fabulous! Part I
Heather Millar, President
An amazing meeting! thanks to the efforts of many including the members who prepared for the meeting by attending or listening to a Congregational Conversation and reading the posted materials. We are extremely fortunate to have great communicators like Kari Alberovitz-Bichell and Jeanne Jehl. Kari led us across the landscape of our finances and a bit into the weeds of expenses. The bottom line is we committed to putting our money where our hearts and dreams are and approved the UUCA 2021 Budget of $833,290 with votes of 106 yes, 0 no, and 2 abstain. Kari’s slides and the budget document are posted on the UUCA website: Board of Trustees page.
Jeanne presented information about the various aspects of BEEC2’s work. She emphasized the commitment to our 8th Principle by seeking contractors of color and additional members to join BEEC2. Jeanne provided details of their progress and challenges including the wide range of possible costs for each element of Phase 1. She reported we are waiting for responses from the County about our connection to the county water system and our applications for building permits. Jeanne’s slides and plans for Phase 1 and the larger Building Expansion plans are posted on the BEEC2 Referrals and Building Plans slider.
By seeking contractors of color, BEEC2 has generated interest in many to engage businesses owned and operated by people of color. To identify local businesses, we have become aware of the “Arundel Green Book.” Frequenting these businesses is a small but significant step we each can take towards our desire to dismantle racism in ourselves and our institutions.
Remember to vote for seven organizations to “Share The Plate” for 2021. The deadline is this coming Tuesday, December 15. There are many more details to report about this Congregational Meeting. More next week!