Diocesan Assessment Waivers
Resolution text
Resolved, that the Executive Council approves partial waivers from the 15% assessment for 2024 for the following dioceses: Colombia (2.1%); Hawaii (7.2%); and New Jersey (10%).
Explanation
The Executive Council Assessment Review Committee (ARC) reviewed hardship waiver applications and agreed three waivers were justifiable.
- Columbia requested a waiver for one year at 2.1%. They have honored their commitments and are increasingly paying what they are able.
- Hawaii requested a waiver for one year 7.2% because of the hardships related to the fires in 2023.
- New Jersey requested a waiver for three years, starting at 7.5% and increasing by $100K each year, reaching 15% in 2027. The ARC recommends a waiver at 7.5% for just one year to allow them a chance to get a better handle on their financial situation.
Because the Dominican Republic waiver request does not show any progress towards increasing their percentage towards full commitment and because there are questions about their available resources, ARC declined to act on a waiver for them at this time.
In considering the Diocese of New Jersey request, Finance reviewed past waiver requests from domestic dioceses facing similar situations noting they were given a waiver for a 10% assessment. Finance supports a one-year waiver at 10% for New Jersey and further discussions between ARC and the Diocese of New Jersey about the ongoing work for resolving the ongoing challenges.