IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING

NOVEMBER 8, 2009

The meeting was called to ordered by Matt Cermak, who opened with prayer.

Matt presented the agenda for the meeting.

Dan Landry moved to accept the minutes from the 2008 Budget Meeting; seconded by Theresa Barcy; unanimously passed.

The ballot of council nominees was read.  The ballot was open for additional nominees.  None were presented.  Matt then asked for nominations for two people for next year’s nominating committee.  Theresa Barcy and Scott Becker were nominated and added to the ballot.

Ballots were completed and tabulated.  Lisa Baptista will fill the one year opening on Council.  Other new members are Bill Dewitt, Bill Frysinger, Steve Karkau, and Chad Huson.  Also, Theresa Barcy and Scott Becker were elected to be the nominating committee for next year.

Matt showed the budget deficit for last year as opposed to this year’s and brought out that it is greater this year, causing the need to propose budget cuts for 2010.   John Van Hoesen went over the proposed budget, pointing out the items that show decreases.  The biggest account is in the amount paid to staff, which reflect a 3% decrease,   He explained that some were covered by decreased hours worked, keeping the pay rate the same.  Also presented was the change in Benevolence from 13% to 10%.

Pastor then explained the Benevolence option that was approved by Council in response to the August ELCA vote.  We can now designate if we want our Benevolence giving to go to the ELCA synod or to Lutheran World Relief or Stony Lake Lutheran Camp.

Discussion on the proposed budget followed.  The main concerns follow:

Orv Erickson questioned reducing Pastor’s salary and how it would affect his pension.  Pastor Rick responded saying his pension is prepaid from his accumulated time worked and the reduction would not have much affect on it.  He feels that the ministry part of the church is more important and that being able to keep all staff personnel with all sharing in the decreases is the most effective way to do this.

Bill Frysinger mentioned that the amount of the decreases shown in the proposed budget  is close to the amount of our deficit.

Matt said that if the situation changes, this all can be revisited.  He also said that all of the staff was O.K. with the proposal.

Mike Fedewa questioned the amount for copy machine maintenance.  John Van Hoesen said that we do not own the machine and the contract includes maintenance, copies, etc.

Orv Erickson questioned the snow and lawn maintenance item.  Matt said that this has been studied and they are now asking for volunteers to snow blow the sidewalks  using a donated snow blower.  We will still need to hire a  plowing service for the parking lots.

Bill Frysinger brought up the fact that the parking lot is overdue for resealing, repair, etc.  Matt said some necessary repairs have been made and we are tabling the major improvements until Spring.

Sherry Wellman asked about the subscriptions to “The Lutheran”.  We will now be getting our own subscriptions if we want the magazine, since the Church will no longer pay for these.

The item for Major Maintenance was discussed.  It was asked if we could designate part of our offering to go to this fund.  The answer was “yes.”

 

Bill and Chris Frysinger brought out the importance of reading “The Lutheran” to keep up with the synod news,  Chris mentioned ways that those who choose to subscribe to it can share their magazines.

A question was raised about giving to Lutheran Social Services.  Pastor Rick said we haven’t taken money from Benevolence for this for several years and that they still do need contributions.  We can make those on our own as we see fit.

Wayne Christiansen shared  his concern that lowering Pastor’s salary could impact us when we need to call a  pastor in 1 ½ years. Matt said they have looked at all of this and the cuts need to be done.

Carmen Karkau said the organist hours need to be checked.  Matt said he’ll look into this.

Dan Landry  shared concerns he’s heard that the congregation doesn’t know about the major projects that are undertaken.  This can be remedied using the Church’s email news.

Reva Swanson presented a helpful solution to our need for more funds.  She said using a Meijer card with the numbers on for our Church would get us a percentage of the money we spend there.  She will look into getting the applications for this to the church.  Carol Espie said these can be applied for online also.

Bill Frysinger said another solution is for us to volunteer to do some of the jobs that are now open  like answering phones in the office every other Friday and snow blowing.

The budget was voted on and approved.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,