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Volunteers seek more sponsors to finish Methodist Church restoration; council hears quarterly update
Summary
Committee reported progress on roofing, fascia and other projects but said fundraising constraints and a prior pledge not to use city funds are slowing completion; committee asked council for support and options.
Corinne — Members of the Methodist Church restoration committee presented their second-quarter report and asked the council for help identifying ways to finish remaining work without city funds.
Committee lead Karen Caldwell summarized revenues, expenses and projects in progress, saying the group's budget totals $44,844.81 and that a promised $15,000 donation had been counted in the report though the physical check had not yet arrived. “I have included the 15,000 even though the check is not in hand, I was assured and we have all the paperwork to back it up that it is on its way,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell listed completed and near-complete projects — a roofing project, entrance refacing and roof cap work — and items still waiting on bids or contractors, including gutter controls and fascia/soffit work. The committee also described planned fundraisers and events (a pet mayor-for-a-day raffle, a ghost tour in October that will not go to the cemetery, and a Christmas cantata) intended to raise money while avoiding city appropriations.
Caldwell reminded the council of a previous pledge made when the restoration effort began: she said she promised not to spend city funds on the project and has worked to honor that pledge, which she described as a primary reason the work has taken longer than some residents expected. “The main thing I promised was that I would spend no city funds to do this project. And I've tried very hard to stick to that. And that is why it's taking so long,” she said.
Council members thanked the committee for the work and noted weather and foundation setbacks the committee had faced. Committee members asked the council for publicity and connections to potential sponsors; the council expressed support for continuing the fundraising approach and agreed to discuss possible limited city-funded items that clearly fall under city responsibility, such as restroom work.
No formal council vote or appropriation occurred at the meeting; the committee will continue to pursue grants, sponsorships and fundraising while providing quarterly reports to the council.
