[Coc] Budget guidance for the 2016-17 Church Year

[Paul Wallace-Brodeur]

The following is the Budget submission guidance for the 2016-17 Church
year. The key date is *Friday **January 29, 2016, *which is* t*he due date
for submission of budget information. If you have any questions, please
flee free to contact me.

The guidance follows, and it is also attached to this email as a separate
document.


*Budget Guidance for Church Year 2016-17*



The Finance Committee has started the process of preparing a proposed
budget for the 2016 – 17 Church year, which starts July 1, 2016.



In our governance structure, the budget is guided by our mission statement
and the priorities of the Congregation as articulated by the Board and
Executive Team.



As you all know, our Mission Statement is:



*We welcome all as we build a loving community to nurture each person’s
spiritual journey, serve human need, and protect the earth, our home.*



As you know the Board has created a 2020 Vision Task Force. A vision and
strategic plan will be developed in two phases. This fall, the Congregation
has participated in developing a five-year vision for what our Church may
become and accomplish during that time. The current plan is to present the
proposed vision to the Board for review and approval in January, and to the
Congregation for discussion and approval in February.

Based on the vision, the 2020 Vision Task Force will develop a five-year
strategic plan to be presented to the Board for review and approval in the
spring of 2016. It is uncertain, but possible that the five-year strategic
plan will be completed in in time to affect the budget approved by the
Congregation in May.

*Timeframes and Submission Guidance*



Here are the highlights of this year’s budget submission timeframes and
guidelines, which are very similar to those that have been sent out in the
recent past:



   - The due date for submission of budget information is *Friday* *January
   29, 2016.*



   - If you as a committee chair, staff member, program or task force
   leader *do not need any increase in the amount budgeted for the current
   year, it will not be necessary to submit a request.* If I do not hear
   from you by January 29, we will use your current budget amount for next
   year.  If you are uncertain as to the amount budgeted for the current
   year, it can be found in the May 2015 Annual Report.



   - It you don’t need as much as you currently have budgeted, please let
   us know how much you need. We are always very grateful for any budget
   reductions, no matter how modest.



   - If you are anticipating a need for an increase in funds you will need
   to submit something to me by January 29, 2016. Please include the following:



   1. Let us know how much money is needed (the total amount, not just the
      increase over this year);



   1. An explanation of why it is needed and what you hope to *accomplish*.
      This can be helpful in the budget drive process. If there are
      increases/reductions in more than one part of your budget, please provide
      an explanation for each area reflecting an increase or change; and



   1. To the extent you are able, let us know how you believe the
      additional funds will help meet the Church mission.



   - It is not necessary to send requests related to staff compensation
   increases, as these are addressed by the Finance Committee and Executive
   Team.



It is best to send your information to me via email at:
pwallacebro at gmail.com



Please let me know if you have any questions, thanks for your help, and
have a good Holiday Season!



Paul Wallace-Brodeur, Chair

Finance Committee
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