The need

One of the things that impressed us at Big Springs is how well you have always maintained your property.  We are again at the point of needing to do some work around here, and I ask you to pray about how we can accomplish it.

Let's look at each building:

• Church Gutters: During heavy rains, the church basement has been taking in water in the southeast and northwest corners. Depending on the size of the storm, we've seen some pretty wet carpets down there.  The Overseers and Building Team have concluded that this is likely due to the gutters being of insufficient size to handle the speed and volume of water off the metal roof. The gutters in these corners have pulled away from the walls, and water is streaming over them and down along the foundation. 
• Parsonage roof, gutters and soffit: In 2023, the church completed the first step of overhauling the exterior of the parsonage, when the house was wrapped in new vinyl siding.  At the time, we agreed not to pursue the roof and soffit.  However, there are now a few shingles missing, the roof is 28 years old, and we'd like to complete the work before any damage occurs due to the age of materials.  Once completed, this should be the end of a complete renovation of the parsonage exterior - hopefully the last we'll need for a long time.

The Project

On Monday, August 4, the BSBC Overseers agreed to the proposal from Ironclad Construction in Beresford (against competing bids) to complete work on the church and parsonage.  This is broken down into the following projects:

• Church gutters: $9,887
  • 6-inch gutters with 3x4-inch downspouts: 
• Parsonage and old garage roof: $14,805
  • Class 4 shingles 
  • Chimney will be removed, as it is no longer used
  • Old garage will be completed at the same time, to match the house
  • Material warranty for 25 years; work warranty for 10 years
• Parsonage gutters: $5,654
  • 5-inch seamless gutters with 3x4-inch downspouts
  • Gutter guards
• Parsonage soffit and fascia: $7,268
  • Completes the "wrapping" of the parsonage from top to bottom, covering all the old wood.
  • This is necessary to "complete" the siding, covering exposed areas due to trim being removed during the siding project.
• Tax: $752
• Total Project Cost: $38,365.16

Financing

We currently have approximately:

• $18,000 available in General Funds
• $25,000 available in Property Funds
• $269,000 in Unrestricted Reserve Funds

According to our recently revised constitution:

The Board of Overseers has authority to approve expenditures in excess of the annual budget, up to 10% of the total expense budget approved by the congregation at the annual meeting.  This is subject to the following conditions: 

• That the church has the funds at hand, and 
• The expenditure(s) will not jeopardize the functioning of the already-approved annual budget.   

Therefore, the Overseers have committed the church to repair the church gutters as soon as possible, using money from the Property Fund. This will take care of the emergency need, using Property money we have: keeping water out of the church building.  Ironclad is already scheduling this work, potentially in August or September.  

However, only the congregation can approve completing the parsonage work.  We know that delay risks damage through old materials and the potential for costs to keep rising.  But, this will require a vote to proceed with the project, and an agreement on how to fund it.  

One possibility is to agree to assign Reserve Funds (money we have, to get the project started), while we run a capital campaign to "backfill" these reserve funds. But that is just one possibility; this will be a church decision.

Encouragement

As I'm continually reminded, God continues to be faithful to our church. Will you pray about this project, and join us Sunday?  

Again, thank you for your faithful attention to taking care of our property.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Pastor Dave
pastor@bigspringschurch.org