For several weeks in June, the diocesan Executive Committee reviewed the balanced budget that was passed at Annual Council in Tupelo last February. According to Treasurer Melissa Calcote, the Executive Committee has the authority and responsibility to implement and adjust the budget throughout the year. The amended 2020 budget is printed below.
“Amid the current healthcare crisis and economic uncertainty, the Executive Committee met and examined each line item working to make prudent compassionate financial decisions," said Calcote, a communicant of St. Paul’s/Meridian.
Bishop Seage said the Executive Committee worked for many hours to amend the 2020 budget. “The adjustments were hard to make, but the leadership did an exceptional job at bringing our financial projections into a realistic focus during the pandemic that has affected our church, state, and nation," said Seage.
An overview of the bottom line on the amended budget reveals projected income reduced by over $280,000 while expenditures were reduced by $292,000.
The Rev. Brian Ponder, canon for administration and finance, encouraged everyone to review the budget changes. "It is vital for all of us to review the budget reductions and know about the line items that were affected.
“The largest shortfall to diocesan revenue so far this year has been in anticipated receipts from the last fiscal year, which were never realized and commitments made for 2019 that did not come through. This deficit, paired with losses—realized or anticipated—in current year revenues, was mostly shored up by the diocese having successfully obtained a Payment Protection Plan loan through the Small Business Administration in the first round of funding,” Canon Ponder said.
Ponder noted that other commitments and ministries were reduced to balance the amended budget. “They include our annual commitment to the Episcopal Church, support for Gray Center, and university chaplaincy programs for four months of non-programming in the spring and summer months. Also, programmatic reductions were made anticipating the cancellation or postponement of summer and fall diocesan ministries. Corrections were made for canceled spring conferences, retreats or other gatherings. Various committee budgets were also cut, recognizing that most diocesan meetings will continue taking place by teleconference, Zoom, or other platforms for the time being.”
According to Ponder, the budget remains balanced after the reductions, and the Executive Committee is hopeful that its job is done for the rest of the year.
Bishop Seage, who has been in communication with clergy and others through Zoom meetings and conference calls throughout the pandemic, expressed his appreciation for the continuing work of laity and clergy throughout the diocese. "I am grateful and humbled by the dedication of our clergy and lay leaders during this uncertain time, which has caused us all so much grief. Know that I am aware of the many challenges that face individual parishes and missions. With good stewardship and God’s help, we will get through this," the bishop said.
The Rev. Scott Lenoir is the editor of The Mississippi Episcopalian.
