The whole thing is a scam, there is no need for new Kingdom Halls in Southern California; the existing ones are mostly with dwindling attendance and in need of consolidating congregations. The whole thing is a racket with the assistance of the Construction Committees, the arrangement has been now in place for about three months; after the initial survey the congregations started reporting to the CC the amount of funds that were collected in the special box, they have to tell them how much was the monthly contribution and also the running total. Up to know the money is staying with the local congregations but the CC has a record of how much money has been contributed. They are very serious about these records and every month the Congregation will get a reminder if their report is late. The brothers are in reality voting with their pockets, what is going into the contribution box is not near what was promised and every month is less and less.
These is just similar to the government imposing a tax on people, voluntary my foot.
For your information I am legit and know very well what I am saying.
Thanks