Finance Commission Minutes-March 2012

Diocese of Rhode Island

Commission on Finance

Meeting, March 13, 2012

Higgins Room

Present: Robert Batchelor; Robert Bergstrand; The Rev. Dcn. Edwin Hallenbeck; Michael Lofaro; The Rev. John Pallard; The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf.

Also present: Ronald Turnbull.

The meeting was called to order by Chair pro tem Bergstrand at 10:05 am, with an opening prayer offered by Bishop Wolf.

The Minutes of the meeting of February 14, 2012 were approved as distributed.

The Treasurer’s Report for February was distributed. Mr. Batchelor noted that apportionment income is coming in well. The only expense that is unknown is the legal costs associated with Title IV cases.

Apportionment Payments. It was noted that six churches have made no payments in 2012, see chart. While circumstances are different this group will be closely watched.

#	Months in Arr		Parish / Location	Comments
	2010	2011
19	1	2	St. David’s, Cranston	Considering merger
38	2	2	Christ Church, Lincoln	Long term supply- resetting
43	2	2	St. Columba’s, Middletown	Interim
47	2	2	St. John’s, Newport	Interim - supply
53	0	2	Trinity Church, N Scituate
67	2	2	Cathedral of St. John, Prov	Closing – April 22, 2012

The Secretary suggested that following the example of Arizona and other Dioceses it might be useful to publish in RISEN or on the Website the apportionment support payments of all churches. An example of the Arizona page was distributed. It was agreed to discuss the idea with Diocesan Council. The matter of outstanding 2011 apportionment due was deferred until after discussion of Christ Church, Lincoln.

Old Business. Christ Church, Lincoln:

Mr. Batchelor reported verbally and in a memo dated 3/8/12 on follow up meeting with the Treasurer, stating that further review and adjustments now presented a fair picture of the 2011 year. They will shortly file the required parochial reports. Following discussion it was Moved, Seconded and VOTED to reset a revised apportionment due based on actual operation for 2011 at $34,308. With $14,708 previously paid during 2011 and a net due of $19,600 as of 12/31/11.

Following additional discussion of the current year, it was Moved Seconded and VOTED that Apportionment for 2012 be tentatively based on the 2012 Budget for Christ Church at $24,000 as adopted at the Annual Meeting, subject to monthly monitoring and review by the COF.

Mr. Batchelor was thanked for the time and effort devoted to clarifying this situation and producing useful numbers.

Outstanding Apportionment Due for 2011. With the change noted above for Christ Church, Lincoln it was Moved, Seconded and VOTED to state the unpaid Apportionment due at 12/31/2011 at $67,256.69.

New Business.

Proposed Change to Canon X, subparagraph 22. Parish Reports. The change moves the date of required submission of reports to March 1. This follows The Episcopal Church Canons and is a more reasonable date for parishes to comply with. It was Moved, Seconded and VOTED to refer the Canonical Change of Canon 10.22 to Diocesan Council with the suggestion that it be referred to the Secretary of Convention and the Committee on Canons.

Energy Audit. The matter was deferred to the April meeting.

Additional Item.

Bishop Wolf reported that Gloria Williams, Administration/Receptionist has announced her intent to retire in the month of April. Because this is a key position in Diocesan operations the job description is being reviewed and revised to broaden the scope of work. It is hoped a replacement can be found prior to Gloria’s departure.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 am.

Respectfully submitted

Edwin F Hallenbeck

Secretary

Next Meeting: April 10, 2012 at 10:00 am