Adopted December 2024
THE PERIOD OF DALE COMMUNITY CENTER IS PERPETUAL
The name of the corporation is Dale Community Center.
A. Nonprofit Purpose
The organization is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
B. Objectives
To support and maintain this public facility as a community hub for charitable and educational use, ensuring that such facilities are used to advance the organization’s exempt purposes. The Dale Community Center shall use its facilities to provide programs and activities that promote education, social welfare, community engagement, and other charitable services that benefit the public, with the goal of enhancing the common good and general welfare of the community.
C. Limitations on Activities
Conflict of Interest: This corporation is not organized for profit, and no part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any member of the Board of Trustees or any other individual, except that the corporation may make payments of reasonable compensation for services rendered. Board members must abstain from votes that could benefit them personally.
Political Campaigns: The corporation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office to an extent that would disqualify it from tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Use of Rental Income: Income generated from the leasing or rental of the facility shall be used exclusively to support the charitable and educational purposes of the organization, ensuring compliance with tax-exempt status. The organization shall not allow any rental activities to be inconsistent with its exempt purposes.
Membership in the Dale Community Center is open to all individuals who express an interest in the organization's mission. Membership is valid for the calendar year in which interest is expressed. Members are expected to abide by the rules and regulations established by the Board of Trustees. There are no specific responsibilities associated with membership beyond supporting the mission of the organization.
All members are entitled to vote on organizational matters at meetings, regardless of their previous or intended participation. Active participation in the organization’s activities is encouraged but not required.
A. Number and Qualifications
The number of Trustees, with a minimum of three (Director, Secretary, and Treasurer), shall be determined by the governing body. The current Trustee designations are: Director, Deputy Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Leasing Agent, Community Watch Coordinator, and Maintenance Technician. Trustees must reside in Caldwell County.
B. Nominations and Elections
Nominations for Trustees shall occur at the annual meeting at the beginning of each calendar year. Any member may nominate individuals, including self-nominations. All nominees will be announced prior to the vote, and members may ask questions about their qualifications. Trustees will be elected by a majority vote of members present. If there are no opposing nominations for a position, the nominee may be elected by unanimous consent.
C. Terms of Office
Trustees are elected for two-year terms by a majority ballot as scheduled at the beginning of each calendar year. Any vacancy in office may be filled by the Trustees for the unexpired portion of the term.
To establish alternating years of Trustees serving two-year terms, the positions of Director, Secretary, Maintenance Technician, and Leasing Agent shall serve two-year terms. The positions of Deputy Director, Treasurer, and Community Watch Coordinator shall serve one-year terms. All subsequent terms shall be two years.
D. Removal of Trustees
After due consideration and cause, a Trustee may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a regular or called meeting. A two-week notice of the meeting must be provided, and the meeting must be publicly announced through at least one of the following: local newspaper, social media, website, or other methods approved by the Board of Trustees.
E. Filling Vacancies
Should a Board member unexpectedly leave before the end of their current term, a new Board member will be appointed by the Director to fill the vacancy. The Board member appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term of the person being replaced.
A. Director
The Director shall have general leadership of the Non-Profit Corporation operations, subject to the control of the Board of Trustees. The Director shall ensure that all orders or resolutions of the Board of Trustees are carried into effect and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Trustees may prescribe. The Director shall be the Ex-Officio of all committees and will oversee the charitable and educational activities of the organization to ensure they align with its tax-exempt status.
B. Deputy Director
The Deputy Director shall preside at all meetings and perform the duties of the Director when the Director is absent or unable to act. When presiding, the Deputy Director shall have the authority and powers of the Director, subject to the same restrictions. The Deputy Director shall also perform other duties as requested by the Board of Trustees.
C. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, the minutes of the Board of Trustees in books provided for that purpose. The Secretary shall ensure that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws and/or Rules and Regulations. The Secretary shall be the custodian of the records of the Non-Profit Corporation and shall perform all duties incident to the position and as may be requested by the Board of Trustees.
D. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall keep correct and complete records of accounts showing the financial condition of the Non-Profit Corporation. The Treasurer is the legal custodian of all money, notes, securities, and other valuables of the Corporation and shall deposit all funds of the Corporation into the Corporation’s banking account(s). The Treasurer shall provide regular financial reports to the Board and ensure that all income generated from facility rental and other activities is used in a manner consistent with the organization’s charitable purposes.
E. Leasing Agent
The Leasing Agent shall be responsible for leasing and renting the facilities and grounds. The Leasing Agent shall ensure that all rental agreements comply with the organization’s charitable and educational mission, and shall collect all leasing, rental, and deposit fees for the Treasurer. The Leasing Agent shall coordinate closely with the Deputy Director and ensure adherence to the Rules and Regulations established by the Board of Trustees.
F. Community Watch Coordinator
The Community Watch Coordinator shall promote, manage, and coordinate community watch activities approved by the Board of Trustees. This role shall also abide by the Rules and Regulations and perform any other duties as requested by the Board of Trustees.
G. Maintenance Technician
The Maintenance Technician shall manage the maintenance of the facilities, grounds, and equipment. This role shall also keep the Board of Trustees informed of maintenance needs and perform such other duties as requested by the Board.
The Dale Community Center shall hold four regular meetings annually, one per calendar quarter, with the annual meeting being the first regular meeting of the first quarter.
A. Notice
Notice of regular meetings shall be given by one or more of the following: Dale Community Center website, social media, email, text to current and/or previous year members, or in the local newspaper.
B. Standing Committees
Standing committees, including the Facility Leasing and Community Watch, shall provide a report at all regular meetings. These standing committees are advisory in nature and may make recommendations to the Board but are not authorized to exercise Board-delegated powers.
C. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Director or a majority of the Trustees.
D. Voting
Voting may be conducted in person, via video conference, or other electronic means deemed acceptable by the Board of Trustees, in compliance with state and federal regulations.
E. Quorum
Three (3) Board of Trustees members shall constitute a quorum for meetings.
Rules and Regulations shall be established and maintained by the Board of Trustees, in compliance with all relevant federal, state, county, and local laws. All new Rules and Regulations shall be approved by the membership.
A. Enforcement of Rules
The identity renting the facilities and/or grounds will be held responsible for enforcement of the Rules and Regulations.
B. Liability
Dale Community Center shall not be responsible for any accidents or injuries occurring on or off the property or with its equipment.
C. Posting of Rules
Current Rules and Regulations shall be posted at the Community Center and/or made available on the website for public review.
Proposed by-law amendments must be submitted in writing to the Board of Trustees, allowing members sufficient time to review and consider them prior to voting.
Amendments to the by-laws may be approved at any membership meeting by a two-thirds vote of members present.
Upon the dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or to a state or local government for a public purpose. If no such organization is available, the assets shall be distributed by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction to another 501(c)(3) organization or a similar exempt entity.