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A One-Day Conference on
Church Property and the
Responsibilities of Trustees
Saturday, September 20, 2003 •
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at First Reformed Church of Jamaica
159-29 90th Avenue, Jamaica
Government regulation of property is at an all time high. Much of it is necessary to care for public health and safety. The building and zoning codes protect us all.
However, the politicians' insatiable quest for revenue has led them in recent years to contrive and expand a variety of fees, assessments and taxes on property and its use. Some of these charges have been billed to nonprofit organizations which, like churches, are normally tax exempt.
The biggest owner of tax exempt property is the government itself. Less than 3% of all property in New York City is owned by religious and charitable organizations.
Because the government defines itself out of the equation, public concern over tax exemption has been focused more intensely on property owned by religious, educational and charitable organizations. Churches and synagogues own over 7,000 building lots in New York City which constitutes two-thirds of all non-governmentally exempt properties.
Concern about sex abuse and other liability issues have become very important matters for church leaders.
| How do you
manage church property in the face of increasing government requirements?
• Building Codes • Fire Department Inspections • Public Assembly Permits • Property Tax Exemption • Rental of Exempt Property • Water/Sewer Exemption • Boiler Inspections • Asbestos Regulations • Proposed zoning changes for nonprofits • Landmarking restrictions • ‘Hidden Taxes' Other Important Legal Issues that will be discussed: • Incorporation • IRS & Tax Exemption • Liability & Insurance |
Who Should Attend . . . Those who have trustee responsibility for the property and business decisions of the church have different titles. They may be called Trustees, or Deacons, or Elders, or Vestry, or members of Session, or a variety of other by a variety of other names. They, together with the pastor, must be aware of their legal responsibility for the institution of the Church and its ministry in the community. The Conference will help each of them be better informed. Costs . . . Registration for the conference is $15. Additional persons registering together from the same congregation are only $10 each. The Conference fee will include lunch and a coffee break. Our Leadership . . . Kevin M. Kearney, Esq., is senior partner in Wingate, Keaney & Cullen, attorneys for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. |
Join us on September 20 to
hear some helpful information about the Church's
responsibilities and rights in the use and management of its real property.