The purpose of the Finance Council is to provide the pastor with information and suggestions which enable him to make proper decisions for the administration of the parish’s temporalities, goods, and finances. This is to be accomplished through prayer, study of the Parish Mission, and consultation.
Charter of the Parish Finance Council of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Carmel Valley, California
Adopted May 2, 2019
Current members:
- Alex Gray (President)
- AB Introcaso
- Jack McAleer
- Ed Quinnan
- Jim Rice
- (vacant)
Contact: financecouncil@ourladycarmelvalley.org
Finance Council Meetings and Key Topics and Decisions (Reverse Chronological Order)
2025
- The council reviewed the FY 2025 financial results provided by Rebecca. The operating funds account is presently low by historical standards, and the Grounds and Maintenance Fund is close to the lower limit recommended by the council. Overall, expenses during the fiscal year totaled $301,200 while income totaled $280,500, resulting in a somewhat larger loss than expected. The council agreed on making a renewed focus on expanding income and controlling expenses.
- The council unanimously ratified and confirmed an understanding that any non-budgeted expense of $1500 or more requires council approval, except in the case of an emergency.
- Rebecca provided an analysis of donations and expenses associated with Sanctuary changes, and found a $4200 deficit. Fr Jhonnatan explained that a new donation of $5000 has been pledged to cover that deficit.
- Alex and Rebecca reminded the council that any expenditure in excess of $20,000 must be reviewed, approved, and paid by the Diocese. Expenditures supported by direct donations are no exception.
- Kitchen equipment expenses totaling about $8000 were neither budgeted nor covered by donations. However, the council approved the acquisition and payment for the needed equipment.
- Jim, Alex, and Ed will plan to handle stewardship presentations at the 4:30 PM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM Masses on November 8-9.
September 3 — agenda — minutes
- The council unanimously approved the FY 2026 Budget and directed that it be submitted to the diocese as the parish’s budget for fiscal 2026 which began 9/1/25.
- Alex walked the meeting through various of the accounts set forth in the draft preliminary budget for the new fiscal year. The revised budget to be submitted to the diocese shows a net loss of approximately $10K which Alex characterized as “conservative” and likely be acceptable to the diocese. Attendees unanimously approved such budget and authorized Rebecca to submit it.
- Members discussed ways to increase cash flow. Fr Jhonnatan and Alex suggested deploying to the pews a bar code that can be scanned on the spot resulting in a recurring donation or $20 contribution via “donate by text.”. Also an AMA appeal that sets aside in advance a portion of proceeds to a “building fund” for major capital improvements, such as a new ceiling and related infrastructure for the sanctuary
- Alex made the case for replacing the office door, with an estimated all-in cost of replacement as approximately $3,000. Members unanimously approved.
- $7K in Music restricted funds were reclassified as operating funds
- Council members offered ideas for fund-raising possibly in place of the low margin-high effort Natale and Lenten dinners
- The council authorized Alex to commit up to $10K for written legal advice regarding the water rights a prospective purchaser of the vacant lot would receive, as a helpful first step to listing, possibly, the property for sale.
- Fr. Jhonnatan informed the council that he has been working on a project to create a new back altar for the sanctuary of the parish church; that he had already taken delivery of a new crucifix from an Ecuadorean artist that would be paired with the existing statues of Mary and Joseph after they had been retouched and colorized; that he had preliminary sketches and an estimate ($45K – $50K) for the project from two potentials wood-working companies; and that a parishioner was interested in underwriting this project in honor of his late father. The council authorized Fr. Jhonnatan to proceed with this project.
- Various repair expenses associated with the rectory, church, and hall were reclassified from grounds and maintenance to ordinary.
- A 2025 AMA rebate would be allocated in equal parts to the checking account and to a restricted fund up to $19K to each. If there is more than $38K (the budgeted amount) in rebate, still only $19K would be restricted. Moreover, a fund called the Building Fund would be reconstituted, to receive the restricted funds and the proceeds of any related capital campaign.