Annual Meeting

First Universalist Church

6/21/2010

Clerk asked to verify a Quorum present. Quorum found to be present.

Minutes of the Mid-Year Meeting of 2010, and Congregational Meeting of 2010 were approved.

Nominating Committee Report

Report of the Committee and slate of candidates were presented (see attached). A motion to accept the slate was moved, seconded, and passed.

Eric Uhl as in particular thanked for his great work.

Treasurer’s Report

Budget YTD is attached. Pledges of $159,000 were committed last year. $145,000 has been submitted YTD. Other income did very well. Reserves for current furnace loan and UUA loan are part of the budget. Total income for the past YTD was actual $243,471 expenses $256,066. Year end appears that the year may end with a shortfall of $1300 (assuming all pledges are paid up). UUA contribution was made and we are a fair share church. No monies were put in the steeple fund. A biannual inspection of the steeple was previously recommended. Estimated cost was $2000. Last year’s budget had a $17,000 shortfall.

The church is facing a challenge for 2010-11. Our cash reserves are very narrow.

There were no building repairs in the past budget. There is $4500 in this coming year’s budget.

The 2010-2011 budget was presented. (see attached)

Pledges are uncertain. At time of creation, the projected pledges was $158,000. The budget pledge number was reduced to $152,000. There was a commitment to a balanced budget this year. The budget presented at this meeting have the following highlights:

Paydown of Furnace loans of $6000 eliminated

A portion of the steeple fund reserve was eliminated.

Add $4000 to building repairs

Larger pension for office manager

Bookkeeper expense as increased due to the complexities of accounting.

DRE salary was adjusted to better reflect UUA guidelines for credentialed personnel.

UUA dues and NNE contributions were removed.

There is a strong desire on part of the Board to fund the Steeple fund and the UUA/NNE dues. The Finance Committee will be meeting on this through the summer.

There was a material discussion around the Fair Share. All understand the importance of the Fair Share contribution. There was a strong desire to support and fund this.

Pledge estimate last week based on $116,000 pledged so far. There are still 60 outstanding pledges to be brought in . It is felt that this can result in a overall projection of $152,000. There are 143 units at this time. This does not count new members. So far 80 have committed.

Motion to end discussion was approved. The motion to accept the budget was moved unaninamously

Chuck Murray then led a discussion on future financial challenges. Shortfalls have been chronic over the past few years. It has necessitated repeated ad hoc pledge ups. The new Church structure is intended to address the new operational and financial issues at hand.Growth will be a very important aspect of this effort. The Stewardship and Welcoming Committees will be implemented this year to instill year round fundraising, grant search, and new member growth.

3 issues are going to be focused on:

1. Let people know we are here

2. Welcome newcomers and strengthen the roles members have to support the Church.

3. Look at new programs to support ourselves as individuals.

Reverend Lentz spoke to the hard work of the Board. Also the structural changes support the foundation for making the new programs and financial soundness possible. Membership is growing, now over 200. The challenge is taking new members forward after the initial.

A vote to accept the authorize refinancing the outstanding debt into a $37,000 , $25,000 congregational loan. The latter was funded via the UUA. per the Finance Committee . The congregation is asked to approve a 4% fixed rate loan on the outstanding $60-65,000 debt.

Authorization was moved and carried without opposition.

Aesthetics Committee

Lisa Murray led the discussion on proposed improvements to the Church property. (see attached.). Chancel clean up was finished and storage areas have been created. Music Director storage area provided. Café tables were purchased.

A list of a number improvements has been assembled. A roadmap for improving the Sanctuary was created. Total cost would be close to $150,000. Prioritization of projects has also been provided. The list will be provided with estimated costs and donations to fund them will be accepted.

Repainting the Sanctuary has been placed in the current 2010-11 budget. Proposed color changes and painting were presented to the Congregation and accepted. The committee was recognized on the hard work they have done on behalf of the Congregation.

Other Old Business

There was no old business.

Other New Business

There was no new business.

The meeting was adjourned.