Finance Committee Meeting 9 Apr 2013

Minutes

The meeting commenced at 7:30 p.m.

Apologies: GregFry

These had been previously circulated and were taken as read

2010 audit still not complete. Peter undertook to reply to the auditor’s latest queries on Friday12th April. Warren could visit the auditors in the city – Peter will advise Warren whether this is necessary. A question to ask may be whether John Yates wishes to continue as our auditor?
GWUC Five year plan. Ashley and Matt have prepared a draft spreadsheet to assist Council with the financial aspects of their five year plan. One unknown will be manse allowance vs. rental. Warren is in discussions with the Recorders (KenHutchinson and IanMcMillan) for a more detailed analysis of the planned giving figures so as to get a more realistic forecast.
Planned Giving. Members should be encouraged to upgrade from open plate to envelopes, or preferably direct debit.
Kombi Project. The Kombi is unroadworthy and must not be driven. There is $2,576 on our balance sheet for the Kombi project. KayeMorgan will inform Warren what the Youth Committee plans are in due course.

Preliminary 2012 Accounts. Summary has been sent to JohnHurst for purpose of preparing Church Profile. He should be advised of various caveats:
1. The figures are not final and in particular omit transfers from deferred maintenance fund for the new organ and property maintenance. This will reduce total operating deficit.
2. There is some doubt about the accuracy of the 2011 figures for rent received.
3. Interest earned is down because capital was transferred to Endowment Fund which is now earning interest.
4. Ministers stipends increased because of Synod policy of alignment with NSW, also appointment of Children & Families pastor and Seniors Ministry.
The Church book-keeping is running a few weeks behind for various reasons. We hope to catch up in April. Peter wants to restructure our chart of accounts to align it with the format used for the budget.
Money Counters. Matt will discuss with HeatherHon the minor problems being experienced and will report on that and other matters at our next meeting.
Succession Plan for Treasurer. Ashley is willing to take over this role from 1 July if co-opted by the new Church Council.
Endowment Fund. Information has been sent to RogerVass who is preparing a report for Council. This is not a responsibility of Treasurer or Finance Committee.

Next meeting: (second Tuesday of each month): Tuesday 14 May 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Meeting closed at 9:00 p.m.

Minutes compiled by: Peter Stewart, 10 Apr 2013.