2025-26 Fiscal Year Wrap Up & Auction News

By Anne Harvey, Finance Chair

Henri looked out over the ocean as the sun was setting. The sky was ablaze with shades of reds and oranges. The breeze was perfect. He wanted to share his happy news with someone. He called out. " Don't miss this!" Just then he saw two glasses of chilled white wine coming towards him. He smiled. They had discussed many things in the time they had been together. Politics. Religions. Potlucks. He felt it was time to take the next step in their relationship. It was time to talk about finances. They agreed on so many things; maybe he wasn't thrilled about chilled white wine but he knew they would always agree on good fiscal news at Westside.

So now that I have your attention, here's the good news. Westside's 2025-2026 fiscal year has ended. As a member of the finance committee along with Shirley V., I'm happy to report that WUUC ended the fiscal year with a surplus of slightly over $3,000. The budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, was $147,955 which included releases of restricted funds amounting to $6,230 for staff bonuses and the Membership/Programs Coordinator position. Actual income was higher than budgeted due to the auction and rental income exceeding expectations. Several special projects were partially or fully completed during the fiscal year including playground renovations, sanctuary and narthex improvements, purchase of a defibrillator, and CPR training for several church members and friends. In June, the new HVAC was installed in the RE wing of the church at a cost of $22,220. The remaining funds donated during our HVAC campaign ($1,850) are expected to be applied to circulating fans in the sanctuary. It is likely that WUUC will need to provide additional funds for the fans out of existing funds. Research is being conducted to assess which fans are appropriate for installation in the sanctuary.

Now looking ahead to the 2026-2027 fiscal year! The auction party which is our main fundraising event of the year will be moving to Sunday, November 1, 2026. You may be wondering why the auction date is changing. The number one reason is the weather. In recent years, auction parties that have been scheduled in January or February have been postponed due to snow and icy conditions. So, start looking for those items that you are no longer using or want. I imagine they are ready for new homes. Consider an event you might host. Or, perhaps you have a request for help with a project or an interest in learning a new skill. Look for more information in the coming months. Henri may be donating some wine glasses.