On January 23, the Session met to discuss and vote on the budget. The first motion regarding the budget was to extend David Gibson’s contract as it is, for another six months. We all expressed how much his music has meant to our services, so of course the motion passed unanimously.
The Stewardship Committee had worked on the budget, which is always driven by the pledges. For 2022 the pledge amount was $203,314.48. Expenses are mostly the salaries with no raises. Because of the drop from last year’s pledges, cost cuts were 87% of last year. Operating expenses were lowered by 25%. Program expenses were cut by 82%. The Committee was trying to keep the numbers balanced and conservative. The cuts are mostly from Mission, which only was listed for $7,200.
After much discussion, the motion was to approve the budget with total figure of $7,200 for mission and let the Outreach Committee propose how to divide it up and bring their ideas back to Session at the next meeting. The motion passed. Several ideas for increasing mission giving included having special offerings or maybe a Mission Fair in the fall. There will need to be much more discussion on this topic. If you have ideas or suggestions, feel free to contact Peggy or any Session member. The budget will be presented to the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting which will probably be sometime in March.
It was brought to the Session's attention that Rev. Roger Velliquette has had some occasional income. According to the severance agreement, the equivalent of any part-time employment is to be deducted from the severance. The Session has no confirmation of how much Rev. Velliquette has worked or what he has been paid. After discussion, the Session voted to complete the last two payments of the severance so that this relationship causes no more upheaval in the congregation.
The friendly and constructive conversations in Session are one reason I am pleased to act as your Clerk.
