April 26th, 2023

Board of Directors for Quivira Council 
3247 N. Oliver - Wichita, Kansas 67220

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the Board, 

Recently, Quivira Council announced a $120/scout program fee beginning May 1st of this year. The fee was immediately concerning because it would severely impact unit’s ability to retain and recruit scouts. As an example, the cost to enroll a new scout, one adult leader and purchase a uniform will now be more than $400. It is a large ask for a family unfamiliar with scouts and with multiple children. Council leaders explained that the fee was necessary to correct a financial deficit brought about by a lack of funding from the United Way and other sources. Council leaders acknowledged the fee would reduce the number of active scouts but refused to quantify this reduction. Council leaders could not explain how a reduction in scouts would ultimately lead to fiscal health. Considerable concern remains with the knowledge that the scouts most affected are of low socio-economic status and would potentially benefit the most from the scouting program. 

Council leaders provided little evidence during roundtable discussions regarding the specifics of the financial difficulties of the Council. Brian Nastase actively refused to answer questions concerning details of the steps he has taken to mitigate these problems. The refusal to explain and provide factual evidence led many adults to investigate these claims on our own. After contacting the parties involved, we have arrived at the following 
facts:

1. National BSA Regulations – Section V. – “Local Council Annual Registration or Program Fees” prohibits 
   the Council from charging a fee that exceeds the national registration fee (currently $75). Wendy 
   Kurten, BSA National Director of Council Services confirmed the $120 fee is higher than allowed by BSA 
   Regulations and will involve the national legal department if necessary. Brian Nastase declined to 
   provide details but states that Quivira Council is exempt.
2. Brian Nastase claimed the United Way stopped funding the Quivira Council and that he did not know the reason. Abel Frederic, VP of Community Impact for United Way of the Plains, provided evidence that Quivira Council did not apply for United Way funding in 2022 despite being personally trained, encouraged, and acknowledging the receipt of the application. When confronted with this evidence, Brian Nastase then asserted that “it would have been a waste of time” because “they [decision panelists] won’t back scouts.” Decision panelists from prior years have stated that the Council’s application has been incomplete and that Brian’s conduct during presentations was contentious and unprofessional.
   
   
3. A review of the Council’s recent financial statements indicate: A balanced 2023 budget without the inclusion of the program fee, the inability of Brian Nastase to cover the cost of his own compensation through fundraising efforts. 

Pursuant to these facts, we the scout leaders, volunteers and families of Quivira Council agree that: (A) Imposition of this fee will negatively impact the future of the Quivira scout program. (B) The fee will negatively impact our decision to remain in scouts and recruit others. (C) The fee should be placed on hold until a holistic review can be completed and alternatives and/or mitigation strategies be put in place. (D) Brian Nastase is no longer fit to lead the Council and should be removed from his position. 

Respectfully yours, 

The undersigned group of scouts, leaders, volunteers, and parents of Quivira Council