URGENT: Proposed ordinance will cost houses of worship $1000-10,000 annually
Over five years, the Monroeville houses of worship will be charged over $1 million – about as much as the Monroeville Mall.
The stormwater management plan itself is good and required by law—houses of worship should support it.
The Monroeville Interfaith Ministerium is very concerned about the fee that will fund the plan, however. The Monroeville houses of worship collectively will be charged perhaps $200,000-250,000 each year beginning January 1, 2019—about the same as the Monroeville Mall. Over the first five years of the plan, houses of worship will be required to pay more than $1 million dollars.
Houses of worship depend on donations for the good work we do. Monroeville’s policy must not place an unreasonable financial burden on the organizations least able to bear it. We are asking for fair accommodations for houses of worship.
What can I do?
We are calling on all houses of worship and people of faith in Monroeville to work together to find a solution that allows our municipality to accomplish this important work in a way that is viable and allows its vibrant religious traditions to continue to be a valuable asset to our community.
- An informational meeting for religious leaders will be held Wednesday, September 5 from 12:00-2:30 at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. This meeting will be closed to the general public to allow leaders the opportunity to work together more effectively in a short amount of time.
- Citizens are encouraged to attend the hearing scheduled for Thursday, September 6 at 7:00 at the Monroeville Municipal Building.
- Please plan to attend the council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 11 at which the ordinance will be voted on.
- It’s important to contact your elected officials before the meeting and let them know your concern.
In addition, please share this information and our brochure on social media and in person. Printed copies can be requested from The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church if you are unable to print them yourself.
Time is short – please help us find a way to protect both our environment and our rich religious heritage in Monroeville!
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