Highlights of the new proposed budget

There are a few things we would like to highlight that are reflected in this year’s budget:

Our new fiscal year is now June 1—May 31. In 2024, we made the decision to change our fiscal year, previously from October 1—September 30 to June 1—May 31 to better accommodate our ministry cycle and annual ministry planning.  To make this shift, our 2024-2025 budget was shortened to 8 months (October 1, 2024—May 31, 2025). On June 1, 2025, our fiscal year will move to a standard 12-month period.

Additional costs to meet guidelines to continue insurance coverage. On December 8th, 2024, we returned to a newly renovated and restored auditorium, main lobby, and children’s wing.  As of now, the restoration and renovation process stemming from fire and water damage is complete, with insurance covering most of our claim.  In order to renew coverage, we anticipate a significant increase in our liability premium, while also adding a lightning mitigation system and an automatic water shutoff system to comply with requirements.  These costs represent the most significant increase in the new operating budget.

Supporting Ministry through new staffing. 

- Communications: In 2024, we were blessed to add a Communication Director position to our staff with the hiring of Anitra Lechtenberger. This has prompted a new budget category for communications, which serves to support the flow of information and promotion for our church family through various platforms, including Sunday morning communications. 

- Next Generation: It remains imperative to our mission that we invest to make disciples and provide care across all generations. This is particularly true in areas that serve our Next Generation (Children’s, Student, College/Young Adult Ministries).  We are currently in the process of prayerfully searching for a full-time Student Ministry Director, which is reflected in this budget.  In the meantime, our Student Ministry continues to be supported by our incredible part-time staff.

Increased investment in missions and ministry partnerships: Mobilizing our church family to serve and to live on-mission, both locally and globally, is also imperative to our Gospel mission.  Earlier in 2025, we appointed aMissions Team responsible to support this critical area of ministry through promoting opportunities to serve our neighbors and the nations, while deepening our investment in several ministry partnerships.  When someone gives financially to New Cov in 2025-2026, a growing percentage of those resources will be directed in various ways that serve to extend the reach of our Gospel mission.

Paying off our recent Parking Lot Project: Recovery work from the fire in May 2024 presented a timely opportunity to make necessary safety improvements to the grounds surrounding our church building, including grading and paving for all parking areas in compliance with city code.  To date, we have collected over $400,000, leaving us with just under $300,000 toward our total goal of $700,000.  Our goal remains to pay off this balance within a year of the start of the project, with a desire to remain debt-free and agile for ministry.  This is not factored into this budget.