The proposal also includes setting aside undeveloped lots in town for former members with legitimate beneficiary claims who were either excommunicated or voluntarily left the church.
On other issues — access to parks, use of a cemetery and payment of $2.6 million in outstanding bills — the parties were "very, very close" to an agreement, Shurtleff said.
Richards said he believes the current proposal raises constitutional and trust law problems. He also questioned whether it meets standards set when the court altered the UEP to allow for only secular management of its assets.
The FLDS believe the change is at odds with a core tenet of their religion — the Holy United Order — which calls for the sharing of assets for the benefit of those who adhere to church teachings.
The sect rejected Wisan’s oversight of the trust and stayed away from court hearings for about three years. They changed course last fall when it appeared land set aside for an FLDS temple might be sold. They countersued to stop the sale, triggering settlement talks.
Richards has asked the judge to lift a stay on the sale of the land so that trust debts can be paid. The judge did not rule on the issue Wednesday but did order the FLDS to pay six months of occupancy fees, totalling about $385,000.
Lindberg said half the fees are due Monday and the balance must be paid by June 15.
Sect spokesman Willie Jessop said the FLDS do not object to the fees, but thought the payments would be part of the settlement, not in addition to a settlement. He said the FLDS don’t like the idea that some of the funds may be used by Wisan in pending eviction actions against church members.
Source/Full Story: Chron.com
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