Quarterly Membership Business Meeting

February 20, 2011 (After service)

27 people attending

Phil called meeting to order.

Welcoming Committee – UUA let us know that in order to be on their list of Welcoming Congregations we need to have some kind of vote. Patricafaye noted that the vote is about being recognized by UUA. We already recognize this status at UUFM. Phil said he will send a ballot out electronically and suggested everyone make sure Kris had correct email information. He also handed out paper ballots to people who would like to vote that way.

Budget – Bev distributed the proposed budget. Last year’s budget was $25834; the proposed budget $31563. Phil noted that we vote on a budget at the May business meeting. The board is still working on the proposed budget so this is the time for input. Ken Moore will run the pledge drive in April and the number of pledges, if too low, will also have an impact on the budget proposal in May. We have 43 members now, but only 38 pledging units.

Bookkeeper: The largest new item on the proposed budget was $3000 for a bookkeeper. Bev is stepping down as Treasurer. Barb Roush has agreed to take over that position. But Bev has also been the financial manager of UUFM, a job that has grown in complexity and time with the payroll and taxes of the new DRE position. The board would like to hire an independent bookkeeper to take care of the finances, a position the Treasurer will oversee. The alternative is that a member of the congregation step up to be the finance manager. Brian worried that bringing someone else in to do our finances might create liability issues. Madeline also worried about bonding. Ronni mentioned insurance issues. Phil noted that many nonprofits hire bookkeepers, in fact some local churches share one. He thought with Treasurer oversight this could be managed. Bev said that all the checks are signed by board members. Tricia suggested asking the local churches more about sharing. Patriciafaye thought maybe Bernie would do the job. Phil said Bernie could not be at this meeting but wanted us to know he is an advocate for this position (ans would not do it himself). He could be a good resource. Bev has a suggested list duties for the Treasurer to ensure good oversight.

Kris reminded us that this meeting was intended to give the board direction on how to shape the budget and express concerns, but not yet to make to decisions. We discussed other issues on the budget. Music increased 7% - Brian noted this was reasonable as music constitutes a good part of the service. Kara thought maybe we could cut hymnals and get donations for those. Ken noted the proposed budget is 22% higher than last year. Eric and Jolynn mentioned our desire for a building. Bev said we have had a surplus every year. Kris reminded us that we pay UUA dues now. Related to our offering, which funnels all cash to a selected charity, Madelyn said that many people don’t use checks anymore and might like to give to the congregation rather than the charity – perhaps we could include envelopes for UUFM offerings in cash. Brian suggested we cut the whole proposed budget across the board by 10% and set aside more money for the building fund. More discussion. Phil asked for straw vote on 22% increase for budget. 21 voted for; 3 against; 1 abstain.

Religious Education – Christi reported that UUFM already had a good RE structure for her to work in. She has brought to that knowledge and experience of UU RE. She has concentrated on liability issues and communication. Would like to encourage greeters to notice families that may want direction to RE. She distributed her report.

Annual Retreat priorities progress report –

Social Action Committee: Beth they had 4 meetings with 10 members and generated a long list of projects, focusing on some. We would like also to connect some action with what others are already doing in town.

Social Opportunities – Kris said the multigenerational swimming event was a success with 25 attendees. The group wants to sponsor more events – bowling, talent show? – so she wants ideas and also volunteers to set them in motion.

New Building Committee– Eric thanked Jolynn and Barb R. for their work on this. From the Salem UU they learned the importance of keeping Capital Campaigns separate from Fund Raising. They also will work on getting Free money first then loans. Meeting February 27 to discuss more. Eric appealed for optimism and following Rick Davis’ advice to go slow and make sure to do it carefully.

Ted moved to adjourn meeting, which was seconded. Adjourned at 1:15pm.