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Overview of First UMC Building Issues and Proposed Donation
 

• 2002: 650 members, average worship attendance of 247, and operating budget of $524K. Members gave an average of $64/month to support ministries.
• 2012: 473 members with an average worship attendance of 165 people. Members gave an average of $74/month to cover a budget of $420K.
• 2022: 225 members, average worship attendance of 80 (including online), and operating budget of $347K.
• To cover the budget, members would need to give an average of $129/month per person, rather than the $99/month per person that is the current average.

• The Sanctuary wing is 55 years old, and the rest of the building is 63 years old.
• Roof and gutters for Sanctuary, Wesley room, drive-thru, offices & conference room, and several entrances need to be replaced very soon. $220,000+
• Twelve bathrooms are original and need to be completely gutted and remodeled with new fixtures to ensure accessibility, lower water waste and repair bills, and show hospitality, No estimate due to uncertain future usage/needs, but likely $200,000+
• Internet wiring needed for upper and lower levels and the BK Smith room/nursery/front offices/bell room area. It would be significantly less expensive to also remove and replace all the current ceilings and light fixtures instead of the high labor costs of drilling, fishing cables, and making it aesthetically pleasing. No estimate, but likely $100,000+
• Necessary organ repairs of $66,400 was recently approved by Trustees.
• Sanctuary lighting needs to be replaced due to extensively damaged wiring and sockets. Cost will be $100,000-S150,000, but energy savings from LED bulbs offsets the cost.
• 19.7 KW Solar installation on the roof estimated at $58,000. Energy savings would pay for itself within an estimated 7-10 years.
• Exterior brick and concrete repairs estimated at $100,000+

• If we donate our building to the Community Foundation (CF), they will offer us a free, renewable 100-year lease on the space we would exclusively use.
• Of the building improvements listed above, the CF would pay for all exterior and most interior expenses. Exceptions would be for organ repairs and likely sanctuary lighting.
• The CF would be responsible for all interior and exterior maintenance. First UMC would pay a percentage of the utility bills based on space and usage and for cleaning our exclusive space.
• The CF would also pay to remodel the nursery into new office area for our staff, and the BK Smith room into a new nursery, elementary room, and multi-purpose meeting room.

• In addition to the remodeled and repurposed BKS/Nursery area, the current PNC, CCC, area would be our space to continue those missions.
• The "Worship Entrance" would be our primary door. The concrete closet in that entrance would be removed to open the space, and a door would be added to access the new office area. The "Main Entrance" would be used primarily for other non-profits to access the building from the parking lot.
• The Bell room would continue in that function, with choir music file cabinets added.
• The Choir room would be converted into a Youth/Scout/Game room.

• The Parlor, Kitchen, Fellowship Hall, Chapel, and halls/bathrooms near those areas would be spaces shared by non-profits and our congregation. They would be reserved equitably and rented economically through the CF. We would rent the Chapel, Parlor, and Kitchen on Sunday mornings, and the Kitchen and/or Fellowship Hall for special events.
• Because the Chapel would have multiple uses, it is likely that the pews would be replaced with chairs, and the communion railing would possibly be removed. The 1917 mural of Jesus praying on the mountain would remain, with other non-profits that wish to use the room having the option of temporarily covering it if they desire.

Sasha's Generosity