Salaries make up a large part of the budget, and there are two staff vacancies that will need to be filled in the coming year. Pastor Orr announced that the sexton position has been advertised at 10 hours per week rather than 12, and that reduction would save the church $1,500 per year. It is also possible to have a Christian education director with slightly fewer hours of, again, 10 hours per week rather than 12. The sexton’s position likely will be filled soon, while the Christian education director’s position probably will take some time. This presents a dilemma of whether to budget for a full year’s salary or for an unknown portion of the year.
Diocesan guidelines suggest a 3% cost-of-living increase. Our staff did not have a cost-of-living increase for 2011. They had a 2% increase in 2010. As a salaried staff member, Pastor Orr excused herself from the room while the vestry discussed the issue.
In 2011 there was approximately $7,000 in non-pledged contributions. Because these were special donations, the vestry discussed whether or not it is reasonable to expect a similar amount to be contributed in 2012.
The decisions on the upcoming budget were to:
- reduce the projected non-pledge revenues from $38,000 to $37,000
- increase the diocesan pledge from $26,400 to $$27,400
- budget the Christian education director’s position for 10 hours per week at $20 per hour for nine months of the year
- budget the sexton’s position for 10 hours per week at $15 per hour for the entire year
- grant a 3% cost-of-living increase for the rector, music director, office manager, and nursery director
The meeting was adjourned after prayer.
Addendum:
The budget passed unanimously via e-mail vote on January 12, 2012.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis
Clerk of the Vestry
Approved: February 20, 2012
