It sounds like some congregations asked for the total amount a person could reasonably afford to donate to the local box each month.
Then from there the elder body will decide on an amount to commit to for the kh construction/remodel fund.
That sounded more reasonable to me and after looking at the letter again, it may be what the branch meant to begin with.
...
With that said, the most disturbing part of the letter may be the encouragement of any cong's with surplus funds or funds set aside for major projects to send the money to the branch as they will now be financing these projects.
People are funny when it comes to money.
Sister "got-an-inheritance" that gave $100,000 to her personal hall for a major renovation may not take kindly to it being shipped off to New York and joining the collective coffers.
Just sayin'
-TE