Diocesan Budget  

June 1, 2009

Last November, the Diocese adopted a budget for 2009 in the knowledge that congregations' responses and the economic situation might require modifications during the year. The Board of Directors instructed the Ways and Means Committee to implement reductions as necessary. The Committee has reviewed the results for the first quarter and believes that a modification cannot be avoided and that it must be implemented at this time.

It is clear that the ability of congregations to support their joint work through the Diocese has not improved since budget decisions were made last fall. The budget was originally based on congregational pledge income of $966,181. As of the end of March 2009 congregations had responded with pledges totaling $865,483. In early April, we were informed of potential pledge reductions of another $30,000. These numbers make it prudent to forecast a shortfall of at least $100,000 for 2009. Since the Diocese has no cushion to absorb such a shortfall, the Ways and Means Committee advises a reduction of expenditures in the amount of $100,000.

During the budget discussion at the convention in November, we displayed a list of the accounts that would be impacted if midyear expenditure reductions were required (view list). The largest impact is to our pledge to the national church, which is reduced by $71,016 or 30%. Other areas that must receive reductions are chaplaincy, commission and committee program lines.

Diocesan staff are available to assist Commissions in making these reductions; please contact Bob Joy or me to discuss implementation questions. These reduced levels will be in effect for the remainder of the 2009 year, unless circumstances indicate need for another adjustment. The Committee sincerely hopes that additional adjustments will not become necessary. Of course we invite congregations to prayerfully consider any responses they are able to make and to remain in touch with us as financial expectations change.

It hardly needs be said that the Committee makes this recommendation with extreme regret. It recognizes that these expenditures were budgeted to perform important parts of our common ministries. We are, however, also called to the ministry of stewardship, which imposes these disciplined steps in order to preserve our ability to respond in the future.

Yours in Christ,
William H. Smith, Jr.
Treasurer

View/download Letter
View/download Program Reductions
View/download Approved 2009 Budget

2009 Budget Approved at Convention

November 2008

A Diocesan budget for 2009 of $1,338,484 was passed, which is a 5% increase over 2008. Budgeted income from congregational pledges is $971,128, which represents the full asking from congregations, and is an increase of $95,000 over 2008. If pledge income in 2009 does not meet budget and there is an overall deficit, then program expense lines, including the amount given to the Episcopal Church, will be reduced proportionately. Salary and pension lines reflect a 4% cost of living adjustment, and investment income will be drawn at a rate of 6%.

We live in a Diocesan community which connects parish communities around Iowa in a common cause and a common love for our Lord Jesus Christ. While most of our ministry is local, there are some things we can do better as Diocesan work, and there is always the collective potential to share resources that can help make that local ministry be even more effective. 

View/download 2009 Approved Budget
View/download 2009 Program Lines subject to proportionate reduction 
View/download Graph - Budget Analysis 
View/download Pie Chart - 2009 Receipts
View/download Pie Chart - 2009 Disbursements 
View/download 2009 Letter from Bishop Scarfe
View/download 2009 Budget Narrative
View/download 2009 Budget Line Descriptions