Minutes from Vestry Budget Meeting - January 6, 2013

The vestry met at 11:35 AM in the undercroft to plan the church budget for 2013. Present were: Rector, Kristin Orr; Senior Warden Frank So; Junior Warden Audrey Ongman; vestry members Candice Barrera, Anne Edwards, Steve Hofer, John Huntoon, Bev Keene, Greg Lawrence, Gale Michael, Mark Moxley, and R.J. VanSwol; Treasurer Clay Denton; and Clerk Susan Marquis.

Pastor Orr expressed thanks to the vestry for the successful St. John’s Feast that was held last night.

Review of 2012 
The pledge amount for 2012 was $199,629. Of that, $191,094 was collected. More money may come in this week prior to the deadline for credit to 2012 contributions. St. John’s saved approximately $19,000 in salaries and benefits due to unfilled staff positions. In part due to a warm winter, we required less heating and saved in energy costs. We have had energy savings every year since the preschool closed. The change to ADP also has saved us money.

Plans for 2013 
Our current pledges total $187,929.
After discussion the vestry decided to budget the staff vacancies of office manager and Christian education director for a full year since it is unclear when these positions will be filled.. Pastor Orr commented that she would like to see the diocesan pledge determined on its own merits rather than balancing the parish budget by taking from the diocesan pledge.
Pastor Orr left the room to allow the vestry to consider staff salaries. As suggested by the diocese, the vestry decided that all currently staff will receive a 2% cost-of-living salary increase. The vestry further decided to pledge $28,000 to the diocese, which is an increase from last year but still not as much as was requested as our fair share. The vestry will look at the budget in six months to see if St. John’s can make an additional diocesan contribution. Greg Lawrence moved to accept the budget as discussed. John Huntoon seconded, and the motion passed with one abstention (due to conflict of interest).

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Marquis Vestry Clerk

Approved:  February 18, 2013