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Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Budget

Projected Budget Increase for St. Joan of Arc this coming year!

On my way home from St. Joan of Arc, I listened to the radio and heard of tornado warnings for western Hennepin and Wright counties. I thought back to a few years ago when hail and high winds caused much damage to our home. We were forced to replace both our siding and roof. Some of that expense was covered by our homeowner's insurance policy, but some of the money came out of our pocket, as well. Unexpected expenses come our way from time to time; such are life's uncertainties!

I spoke with Peter Eichten, our parish administrator, today about the budget this coming year for St. Joan of Arc parish. The budget, starting July 1st, 2001 and running through June 30th, 2002 is projected to be somewhere between seven and nine percent higher than this past year's budget. The exact percentage increase is unknown exactly, (as is life and its uncertainties). Given inflation, increased health care expenses for staff, higher fuel bills, an added maintenance staff supervisory position, (recently filled, long time needed), and our upgraded expanded parish center facility, the 7-9 percent increase in expenses is a best guess estimate for the coming fiscal year.

Okay, so what does that mean for you and I, St. Joan of Arcers? It means that we enjoy the fruits of the improvements made to SJA this past year. It also implies that perhaps we should consider donating 7-9% more this year to help the parish meet its financial goal. That goal is to be financially solvent, not to make money, but to serve the members of SJA to the best of our ability. A small part of the budget is there to buffer unexpected expenses, similar to the example I personally gave above.

In speaking of the financial health of SJA, Peter told me we were on budget this past fiscal year, (ending June 30th, 2001). I specifically asked him how we had done with respect to the capital campaign, (parish center renovation and expansion). He told me we still needed $400,000.

Edie Kalweit has been a St. Joan of Arcer for 24 years now. Now that her children are grown, there is time to participate more fully in activities taking place at St. Joan's.

That is the amount still needed after all the present pledges are paid. If there is anyone in the parish who can help reduce that debt, or knows of some creative way to do so, please come forward with your ideas or resources. The rewards for doing so go on indefinitely! The community benefits as do you in the realization that you've made a difference.

I left Peter's office today, once again, thankful to belong to this community of St. Joan of Arc. We are blessed with honest people working in our parish, on our behalf.