jws asked: Congregations in several places are downsizing into fewer KH's for the area, leaving behind real estate to be sold. (If a building's empty and unused, is it still exempt from taxes)?
Local laws will vary, but in the US, as long as it's owned by the registered non-profit and not generating income, it wouldn't be taxed. However, most of the same maintenance expenses on unused property will continue. Some heating, repairs, lawncare, etc. will continue until a buyer is found. A nearby Hall was put up for sale since the cong shrank and couldn't pay the bills, even with help from neighboring congs. Still unsold after nearly a year on the market now.
Now that some time has passed with the economy, I see what the situation is locally. There are enough that have lived frugally, saved, donated regularly, and will continue to do so, keeping the local congregation afloat. But don't expect them to cough up any extra now. However, quite a few are showing that they have been spending every cent they ever earned... and then some. While they used to donate fairly generously, and live quite comfortably, now they're feeling the pinch. Their income has gone down, and their credit is at the limit. So, are they going to lower their standard of living in order to continue to donate generously? Nope. The lifestyle is what really comes first. Jehovah can pay his own bills.
It will be interesting to hear if there are any subliminal messages in the District Crapvention this summer. Perhaps the drama will be something like... "First Century Fundraising to Support the Jerusalem Governing Body" The fictitious plot will have Paul commanding all the Christian "publishers" to sell all their homes and stuff, including the expensive books on witchcraft, and sending the money to Ted, Gerrit, Guy, and all the rest of the fictional first century "Governing Body".
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