When the money well starts drying up, you lower the bucket further.. just a few more years until the WTS will hit rock bottom.
Lease cars for circuit overseers (worldwide arrangement)
by Gorbatchov 20 Replies latest jw friends
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wobble
Is this an arrangement that uses a leasing company, if so which one, and who holds shares in it, or are the WT now going in to the leasing business and sourcing cars themselves and then leasing them to the Congos ?
Whatever, it is a scheme that will make a profit for WT.
I am concerned that , if this is not even put to a vote, it is improper use of charitable funds, the expenditure not being approved by either the donors or the trustees.
They claim back Tax as a charity and then spend it on cars for their elite, I think I may have to write to the Press about this when it happens in the U.K
Could someone from the U.K who still suffers the meetings please post if and when a similar letter is read here ? Thanks.
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snakeface
In the US there used to be a company called Circuit Leasing, which apparently ceased to exist in 2007. Then there was The Service Car Group, was does not seem to be around either. But the arrangement was, Circuit Leasing was not owned by the WT; it was owned and operated by some brothers. Each year Circuit Leasing purchased a couple hundred vehicles and leased them to the WT Society for 3 years. At the end of the 3 years, the WT would swap them out for new vehicles. This arrangement was staggered; by that I mean for example, let's say there are 30 CO's in one state. 10 CO's would get new vehicles in 2000. 10 others would get theirs in 2001, the remaining 10 would gets theirs in 2002. In 2003 it would be time for the first 10 to swap their 2000 models for 2003 models. The next year the second group of 10 CO's would swap their 2001's for 2004's. And so on.
The old vehicles would be returned to Circuit Leasing (as would happen with any lease company), and Circuit Leasing would offer them for sale to the individuals in the congregations. The cars would also be available for "outsiders" if they wanted them. The cars were all in great condition, and the prices were fair market prices.
I purchased one in 2005 and I still have it. At my request they emailed me a list of the available cars in my state, for me to choose from. The list showed the colors and the mileage; all cars had the same options. I could have chosen any car from any state - for example if I wanted a particular color - but then I'd have to go get it. I choose one off the list and sent a deposit. Then they notified me what date I had to pick it up. When I got there, the car had been completely serviced, new tires put on, and the gas tank was full and it was in showroom condition. Some of the factory warranty was still in force since it was just under 3 years old. The CO who had it drove it there and was picking up his new one. He gave me a folder containing all the maintenance records and all the receipts for all the maintenace that had been done - which was pretty much just oil & filter changes, wiper blades, and such. Almost 6 years later I still drive it. I've never had any trouble with it and it's still in perfect condition. I replaced the battery and now it's time for new tires.
Over the years I heard from various JW's that they were very happy with the cars they purchased this way. I would buy again although I do not like the Buick LaCrosse they started using after the LeSabre's were phased out. I'd buy a Lucerne though.
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Gorbatchov
Circuitleasing is still operating. The domainname ciruitleasing is owned and hosted at the www.watchtower.org server.
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St George of England
Could someone from the U.K who still suffers the meetings please post if and when a similar letter is read here ? Thanks.
This has been in operation for years here in the UK, I was under the impression it was tied in with Vauxhall. At the end of each lease period, 3 years I think, a letter is read out inviting any brothers who wish to buy an ex-CO lease car to see the Congregation Secretary. As a four door saloon is not high on my excitement rating I have never enquired further.
However, we pay £3.00 per publisher per year to this fund and a resolution and vote is always taken. Needless to say it always goes through unchallenged!
George
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wobble
I thiught it seemed as though I could smell a profit somewhere, there are no prophets in the WT, but someone is making a profit here.
Average circuit 2000 publishers, £3.00 ahead per year =£6,000.00 per annum.
I can lease a 4 door Vauxhall for something like £280.00 a month, there may be insurance and maintenance on top ??
But it sure as fate does not add up to £500.00 a month.
Want to ask them about it george ?
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St George of England
On top of that we also pay the CO his 'incidental expenses' when he visits. He puts in receipts for food, petrol etc and this is then rounded up to £100. I suppose most congregations do a similar thing. It may not seem like a great amount but we are a very small congregation.
George
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TheLoveDoctor
we here in US have been paying for thier cars for years and when they get them thier leassed brand new then somehow those in congragation have the oppertunity to buy the used lease car after so many years and i think its 3 years or aslong as co stays in one circuit then possibly gets a new one to lease paid by us.
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Juan Viejo2
My brother has leased a new Lexus SUV and a new Mercedes sedan (2-year lease) for less than $900 (USD) per month for both. Insurance about $150 a month for both. This is through a commercial leasing company. If the Watchtower is leasing that many cars and is handling the payments, then they would most likely get fleet rates on the cars and most service would be done under warranty. The Watchtower can buy a group/corporate/blanket liability insurance policy and then be self-insured for collision and comprehensive (far cheaper for corporations than buying commercial insurance). My guess is that it would cost them in the USA less than $50 per car per month for insurance.
If they are charging congregations $7.50 (USD) per publisher per year X 85 publishers ($637.50) X 20 KHs = $12,750 (USD)--- then....
Car lease for upscale sedan with all bells and whistles (commercial rate): $600 per month = $7200. Commercial liability insurance: $50 per month = $600.
Gasoline, basic non-warranty maintenance, parking fees and tolls @ $150 per month = $1800. "Top of the line lease" plus all expenses per annum = $9600.
Net profit to WTS per Circuit = $3350 per year. Allow $350 per circuit for losses due to theft, collision damages, etc. $3000 net profit per annum.
That would be very much on the high side. With my crappy credit I can lease a new Toyota Camry for less than $350 a month. Have you seen the new Camry's or Honda Accords or Hyundai Sonata's? They are very, very nice and very roomy. A fleet rate would be probably half of the individual retail rate.
So - does anyone know what kinds of cars the COs are actually driving? Are they driving Mercedes or Lexi? Or are they driving Chevy Malibu/Impala or Chrysler 300s or Ford sedans? Please advise.
I think the WT Society is using car leasing as just another money-making proposition.
"Badges? We don't have badges. I don' have to show you no stinkin' badges!" Just pay up, brothers!!!
JV
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Juan Viejo2
OK. So for the most part in the USA they been leasing Buick sedans. Cars aren't bad, but they certainly aren't the best choice among cars. They rate toward the bottom in Consumer Reports used car guides. Is this a "buy American" (or should we say "buy Canadian") policy on the part of the WTS?
Yes the website is still up - and just like the Watchtower's official sites, it offers very little beyond the most basic of information. "Here's our 15 cars, all Buicks with 80K + miles on them. Out of date styling, old-GM technology, 18 mpg, listed for Kelly Blue Book average pricing." What more would you want?
JV