Reports & articles
Good News!
The Board Approves a Budget with Greatly Decreased Deficit
Our new strategic plan was written after extensive interviews and data collection that sought to discern
the priorities of our congregation. One thing heard over and over was the need for a balanced budget.
Consequently, a balanced budget has become Strategic Priority #3 of our recently approved strategic
plan. (You will be hearing more about the Strategic Plan at the annual meeting.) After years and
years of unsustainable deficits in our operating budget, we have endorsed the concept of creating a
plan to achieve a balanced budget within three years.
The good news is that we are already making significant steps towards that goal, even this year, and
the budget which the board is recommending for approval has a deficit of only $12,000; $4,000 less
than this year’s budget.
Our initial stewardship campaign was disappointing in the amount raised. Even though a third of the
pledges on stewardship Sunday were for increased pledges, we still fell far short of what we needed to
maintain our building, our staff and our programs. Significant and painful cuts were envisioned.
However, after a second appeal, many of you did come through, raising your pledges, and we were
able to fill some of those holes in the budget. We are particularly grateful to one member who rode
into town on a silver stallion and offered a significant pledge increase. However, we cannot count on
being rescued every year.
Another factor, which also came out of our strategic plan, and which contributed to budget savings
this year, was our return to one service. This permitted significant savings in religious education.
In the budget to be approved at the annual meeting, all committee requests have been met; a pool of
$4,000 has been allocated for net changes in staff compensation; the house and property allocation has
been increased; allowances have been made for a one-month ministerial sabbatical; savings have been
found in office expenses, we remain a UUA Fair Share Congregation, and we pay a Living Wage to
our employees.
If you would like copies of the budget prior to the meeting on May 18, you may email
[email protected]. The budget meetings will be held in the Parlor on May 4 and 11
BEFORE the 10 AM service.
Cathy Lilly, Treasurer
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