Provincial Convention 2010: Treasurer Oral Report

Submitted by: Elaine Audet

Thank you to all who sent in their annual reports. An amazing amount of work is done at the Parish levels and considerable funds are donated to support people at home and abroad. It is clear members are sharing the “good things we have been given.” I am sure with 100% reporting the amount would be even more impressive.

An area of congratulations is increased membership. Although we hear that long roster of deceased members each year, we continue to grow in membership. That is a very positive and assuring statistic.

Interest rates are a matter of concern. We rely on the interest earned in most of our terms to supplement our annual income. Luckily we had invested a couple of terms for a 2-year period, so missed the low interest rates last year, but sadly they do renew this year.

Slow per capita payments are another concern – by May 2009 we had received $7,415, by May 2010 we have received $3,452. Not sure if they are late going in from councils, or slow at getting posted at National. We cannot do much about the later, but we can do something about the first – please go back to your parishes & assure your per capita fees are sent in.

Our account for 2015 National Convention in Vancouver continues to grow, we are quite hopeful that we will have the extra funds needed to host this great event.

We had our Spring Meeting in Rosemary Heights in Kelowna again this year. While this meeting increases costs, your executive feel this meeting is necessary to help plan for convention as well as take some pressure off the pre-convention & the fall mid term meetings.

As per our Constitution & Bylaws, councils at each level should have the financial records appropriately audited or examined annually. I had the books examined by an accountant; that report is in the Convention Booklet

We had a great response for the Development Fund #1 this year, with 49 members applying and $4,077.64 awarded. Development Fund #2 had two applicants with $2,000 awarded.

Councils should prepare and monitor an annual budget. This helps with planning and with corrections and balances to spending. While some expenses remain fairly constant, others fluctuate – a budget is a guideline to help us with the fluctuating expenses.

I would encourage parish councils when you are preparing your annual budgets, to consider setting aside funds or possibly a separate fundraiser to encourage & enable as many members as possible to attend conventions. I think we would all agree that members are more likely to get enthused and energized at conventions and that may be the answer to some of our problems with getting members to stand for office.

I would consider this to be a wise use of some of your funds.

Of course all councils should have 2 signatures required on all cheques.

Above all – be good stewards of your council’s money. Keep members informed, make joint decisions on money matters with your members and continue in the great work that you do.

Four years has flown by – I am very grateful for your confidence in me & the privilege to serve as your Treasurer. I have done a number of books in the past, manually & on one other computer programs, but Simply Accounting is a great program to work with. I feel I have learned a new skill and hopefully have served this council in my best capacity.