Finance Committee - February 17, 2011

Present: Pastor Cheryl; Tim Fogg, Treasurer; Gerry Fortier, Financial Secretary; Brenda Dodge, auditor; Cynthia Clough, lay leader.

Absent: Judy Wisell, Chair; Priscilla Barnard; Judy Flower, council chair; no representative from Trustees or SPRC, except Cheryl and Cynthia.

Began with prayer and Christ candle.

Reviewed treasurer's and financial secretary's reports for December and January; as well as detail for 2010.

Tim suggested we may want to consider asking for a special offering for oil for prepaying the 2011-2012 season in late spring.

Gerry asked a question about the number of members in the apportionment formula in light of some discrepancies and Pastor Cheryl indicated that a comprehensive membership review had taken place in advance of the statistical report filing and that it is now accurate. She also mentioned that numbers of members are not calculated into the mission share formula.

Tim reported that our surplus cash is gradually being used up.
1/1/10 - 23,000
6/30/10 - 27,000
12/31/10 - 16,000

Gerry and Tim will call a training session of the counters soon to address problems including:

1-sheets and deposits must agree; if counters are unable to reconcile, Tim will leave cell number and be available to return to help;
2-instruction that monthly contributions to pastor's discretionary fund are to be delivered to pastor to deposit and not be included in general deposit;
3-capital contributions are to be carefully identified and given directly to trustees (Matt) (perhaps make up envelopes)

Brenda offered to be a substitute counter.

Pastor Cheryl suggested that the Pastor's Discretionary Fund should be included in future audits since it was opened in October and will provide statements to Brenda.

Brenda indicated that no separate auditor's report was produced other than the required form but if it is required, it will be submitted.

It was once again agreed that the 2009 audit should be done for internal protection even though there is no Troy Conference to submit it to. Tim was asked to provide the necessary records to Brenda.

Fundraising: Cynthia indicated that Phyllis Emery will receive a letter providing an opportunity for us to request dates to staff the Welcome Center. She will also ask Phyllis whether she is willing to run a spring tag sale. Other ideas were discussed such as a tag sale where we charge per table or tithe from families selling their own items.

Marlene Rose has offered that her jazz band that rehearses here are willing to play for the Blueberry Festival this year on the second Saturday in August (13th from 8-2). Tim asked if the band from last year will play again and Cheryl offered to check.

Our next meeting will be held Wednesday, March 23rd at 5pm. Pastor Cheryl will let Priscilla and Judy know.