[K3pzn-board] Comments about trimming the budget.

[Neeriemer, Bill (NIH/NLM/LHC)]

Guys-
 
Steve suggested that we set the budget goal of a difference between income
and expenses of $1000 or less.
 
According to my calculations, we need to trim the budget by $400 to
accomplish that goal.
 
I make the following notes/suggestions:
 
We set expected income for the hamfest gate at $3250, when last year we took
in just under $3500.  I suggest we can safely raise that estimate by $150.
 
We set the awards expense at $75, when we know of only 1 award, which cost
~$35.  I suggest we can safely lower that estimate to $50.
 
We tripled the BOD expense to $1500, and then cut it to $1200 to cover
expected requests, but last year the club only approved ~$400 in requests.
I think we can lower that amount to $1000.  If the well runs dry, the
request can still go to the membership for a vote.
 
We set the insurance at $275, but last year rate was only $255.  I suggest
that we can lower the estimated increase, and set it to $260.
 
We set the license allotment to $50, but the trailer was ~$25.  I suggest we
can set it at $25.  
(There is some change involved, but I don't have the exact figure handy.)
 
I suggest that we set the secretary/treasurer's fund to $100, which covers
the safety deposit box only.  (and change the name accordingly)
(Frank suggests that we replace the safety deposit box with a fire proof
safe and multiple copies to the important docs.  I agree.)
 
We estimated the ISP fees at $125, which Bill N3WM has now determined to be
~$80.  We can set it to $80.
 
With all of these changes incorporated, the budget numbers now look like:
 
Income =  $6,325
Expense = $7,215
Diff =    $890
 
Also, I think we should re-evaluate the amount of money we are putting into
the self-insurance fund, but I need to look at the asset sheet to engage in
an informed conversation about that.
 
I've said it before, and I'll say again.  I have been very impressed with
the good stewardship that the club's director's have shown.  I heard
indications that this hasn't always been the case.  But those of you
involved in the recent year's management roles are to be commended.
 
*** Rambling mind alert ***  Take this for what it's worth: nothing ***
Concerning the discussions concerning the relationship between the club and
the ARES group.  I found a document from ARRL regarding the incorporation of
ARES groups, and the requirement to add certain clauses affirming ARRL's
ownership of ARES.  I will provide copies when I can.
 
I am convinced that something more formal needs to be done.  However, I must
also recognize that ARES has no funding source that I am aware of.  So, I
think that we should consider offering to fund their insurance costs thru an
annual grant/donation.
*** End alert ***

Bill Neeriemer 
CEB 
Contractor, MSD inc. 
(301) 435-3226