Town Hall Meeting          

                                   UUWC Annual Meeting 2026 Minutes

                                                         Jan. 18, 2026

Meeting called to order at 12:40 pm by Vice-Moderator Carole Eagleheart in the UUWC Sanctuary

Moderator Nika Quirk noted that 2026 is the 30^th Anniversary of the founding of UUWC. She called attention to the 2026 Annual Report that had been emailed to the congregation and noted the accomplishments of the past year.

Carole requested from sign-in takers whether a quorum of 25 was present. It was noted the quorum was met with 42 (later 3 more signed in to take voters to 45). Ballots for Council, Nominating Committee, and Treasurer were distributed. No nominations from the floor.

Bylaws revisions had been distributed. Call for discussion. Revisions passed unanimously.

Nominees for Council, Nomination Committee, and Treasurer were invited to make comments, and all did so. Members were asked to vote, ballots were collected for counting.

Treasurer Ruth Tucker Bogart presented the 2026 Budget. Noted that 2025 was a good year financially with a surplus. The 2026 budget also has a surplus, though lower than in 2025. Major source of income in payment for pledges from members and friends of the congregation.

Budget was made from committee requests. Facilities expenses for building and grounds are the largest budget line item. Insurance and general office expenses also have increased in the 2026 budget.

Question posed about any monies allotted for expansion due to growth. Answer: Treasurer noted that it was not in the budget.

Question posed about how committees received reimbursements. Answer: receipts presented to the Treasurer.

Question posed about Taxes. Answer: It is for payroll taxes.

Question about Administrative pay. Answer: Extra hours worked by the Office Coordinator increases expenses.

Question about Rental Income. Answer: It is based on 2025 rental income.

Budget for 2026 was approved unanimously.

Moderator reported on tally of the votes cast:

  Council Nominees: Delbert Schafer, Nika Quirk, Kelly Cook, Wendy Dampier, each received 45 votes

  Nominating Committee Nominees: Norma McLaughlin, Jenny Cook, Jackie Hull, each received 45 votes

  Treasurer: Ruth Tucker Bogart received 44 votes.

Therefore, all nominees were deemed elected to their positions.

Open Floor:

Janet Bellamy asked for participation Feb. 7 at the State Legislature to support Gun Safety legislation.

Noted that No Human is Illegal group thanks all for writing letters.

Question: Are there plans for further parking expansion? Answer: Plans call for addition of 5 or 6 additional spaces in 2026.

Question: Will grab bars be placed in bathrooms? Answer: Yes, plans are underway for addition of grab bars in the one, out of four, bathrooms at UUWC that lacks grab bars.

Meeting Adjourned.

Minutes Presented by Delbert Schafer, UUWC Council Scribe.

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UUWC December Town Hall

 Notes for Dec. 21, 2025 Meeting

Ruth Tucker Bogart moderated the December Town Hall that started at 12:33 with a welcome.

Ruth presented the monthly Treasurer’s Report reflecting financial numbers through November. She reported that 2025 was a good year for UUWC with income greater than expenses. Noted that still have deferred maintenance. The budget for 2026 is under development.

The Pledge numbers for 2026 are not as promising:

Pledges in 2025 saw 62 pledge units for $75,270, with actual income of $88,631.

Pledges for 2026 has 58 units for $67,798.

While many are prompt and generous, members who want to vote in the Jan. 18, 2026, Annual Meeting must submit a pledge and must have signed the UUWC Membership Book.

Kathy Wright urged people to consult the UUA suggested guidelines for pledges.

Ruth is available to consult with pledgers and remined that those with 401Ks and other pensions may want to direct their annual Required Minimum Distributions to the church to lower their income taxes.

Carol Eagleheart reported that in the first Sunday in January attendees will be asked to write letters to New Mexico political representatives to oppose the use by ICE of detention centers in New Mexico.

Karen Schafer reported that NM Rep. Kathleen Cates will be at UUWC on Jan. 10, and attendees could talk with her directly on the issue at that time.

Laurel Anderson reported that the Free Little Libraries that started in 2020 at UUWC has six in private hands, and one at the church. She has taken over the one at UUWC and has converted on of the four compartments into a Little Free Pantry. She asked for donations to help her stock the pantry.

Hobbit Merritt reported that she has coordinated the cleaning team at UUWC for 2 ½ years, and an early volunteer team consisted of Jan Jurgens and Nic Provenzo. Jan is retiring and merits our thanks, and was given a gift of the world’s smallest vacuum cleaner. This also means that volunteers are needed to take over Jan’s and Nic’s weekly rotation.

Karen Schafer reported that Feed Rio Rancho Kids is increasing its packets, which currently are at 300 a month to 400 a month. This increase will mean a changed schedule with a Jan. 6 packing date. Also, she noted that FRRK donated 125 winter coats to children in the Rio Rancho School System.

Janet Bellamy reported that the Federal Concealed Carry mandate has contravened state laws prohibiting concealed carry of firearms. Gun sense advocates oppose this change. She also reported upcoming state legislation to donate gun safes to keep guns safe.

Theresa Watson reported that due to an accident with her car, she needs transportation to UUWC, and for an upcoming Dental appointment.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:56

Submitted by Delbert Schafer, UUWC Council Scribe.