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Council approves draws from Abraham and Judah Toro trust funds to support Touro synagogue repairs
Summary
The council voted to draw up to 4.5% from the Abraham Toro and Judah Toro funds to support needed repairs and lawful uses for Sheherith Israel and the adjacent cemetery and community building, with an expectation of accounting back to the council.
The City Council approved two resolutions authorizing draws from historic trust funds — the Abraham Toro Fund and the Judah Toro Fund — to support repairs and lawful uses for the Touro Synagogue, adjoining cemetery, and community building.
The solicitor explained the funds originate from bequests and are governed by state statute (section cited in transcript). A recent court ruling, the solicitor said, clarified that the city council acts as trustee and therefore must authorize draws; the resolutions direct payment to Sheherith Israel "to be used for needed repairs or other purposes lawful under section 35-9-1," with the requirement that the congregation provide a detailed report of expenditures to the council. The solicitor summarized that the Abraham Toro fund distribution could be up to 4.5% of the fund value and that future requests will return to council for accounting.
Council discussed how the distributions will be disbursed (the solicitor said as a lump sum to the congregation) and asked for assurances that the congregation will report expenditures to the council as required by the resolution. The council voted in favor of the resolutions.
