The Meeting Was Called to Order at 12:10 p.m.

Stephen Glauz-Todrank gave an opening prayer.

Minutes: Joan Law stated that she had some corrections to add to the minutes of April 3. Larry asked that the minutes of the May 1 meeting be approved pending corrections.

Old Business:

Proposed budget dated 5/13/05

Maire Howard explained some of the issues we need to address in the budget. Our income from offerings last year did not reach expectations. We received only $15,000 in offerings instead of the planned $23,000. We also had an increase in disbursements across the board, due to cost of living adjustments, and the need to hire someone for the nursery at a more realistic wage, plus having a seminary student. Maire Howard stated that we can balance the budget “ harshly�? or balance the budget based on what Skyland Church wants to accomplish. We need to present some alternatives to the congregation. Larry Cooke suggested presenting an interim budget, while we work on some ways to increase income. The shortfall is about $15,000 to $16,000.

Stephen Glauz-Todrank stated that, since his salary would be part of the discussion, he felt it would be appropriate for him to leave the meeting when we began discussion of details. Larry Cooke asked us to move our discussion to the rest of the items on the agenda, so that Stephen could be present for that part of our discussion.

Proposed changes to remodel work priorities were discussed. The Trustees would like to change priorities to address fire safety first, due to a recent car fire in the parking lot, which was very close to the church building. The car owner had to break into the church building to get a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Maire Howard described our needs for fire safety, including a new poly tank, hydrant, pipes, and labor. The cost could be up to $5300. Larry Cooke suggested that the trustees present a plan explaining what they intend to do. Stephen Glauz-Todrank moved that we change fire safety to first priority. The motion was by Pippa and Mary Ellen. It was passed.

Proposed By-Law Changes:

Larry Cooke distributed a copy of the by-laws with proposed changes marked. He summarized the proposed changes and asked if we want to present them at the budget meeting June 6, and if so, which ones. Stephen suggested that we wait until the January Congregational Meeting, so we can have the necessary time to think through the changes. Don Law so moved, and Jan Swain seconded the motion. It was passed.

Stephen then left the meeting so that we could return to discussion of the budget.

Budget Discussion:

Larry Cooke distributed three preliminary financial plans, A, B, and C, which outlined three different approaches to balancing the budget. Plan A involved cutting back expenditures to get to expected income. Plan B was a proposal for a mixed approach including some cuts and finding ways to increase income. Plan C was based on finding ways to finance all of the proposed expenditures for next year without any cuts. There was a discussion of possible cutbacks in expenditures and possible ways to increase income, such as asking for annual dues from members, or having fund raisers.

Stephen Glauz-Todrank returned to the meeting briefly and gave a prayer asking for help working together in a positive way to achieve our goals through the budget process.

A variety of possibilities were offered and discussed for adjustments to the budget. Larry Cooke suggested that he work with the Trustees to develop and draft options to be presented to the congregation at the budget meeting. The proposal was accepted by consensus and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:15pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Marcia Rollins

Clerk

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