Sep 1, 2023 – Finance Committee Report – Day 2

Financial Review and Reports:

FY 2022 financial review:

Income Graph for FY 2022 (Attachment 1) Finance Attachment 1 pa

Expense Graph for FY 2022 (Attachment 2) Finance Attachment 2 pa

Balance Sheet Prev Year Comparison report for FY 2022 (Attachment 3) Finance Attachment 3 pa

 

YTD 2023 Financial report and Proposed Amended 2023 Budget:

Income Graph for YTD June 2023 (Attachment 4) Finance Attachment 4 pa

Expense Graph for YTD June 2023 (Attachment 5)

 

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS:

MOTION 1:

To approve the 2023 Amended Budget

Proposed Amended Budget for FY 2023 (Attachment 6) Finace Attachement 6 pa

The Finance Committee, along with our WS Treasurer and oversight from assigned WS Trustees, have diligently reviewed the recent history of expenses, income trends and sources, and considered the requests for all the needs for project funds of the Trustees and standing

Committees. From these reviews and considerations, we have strived to balance the projected growing needs of CAWS with the projected revenues for the coming year.

MOTION 2:

To approve the Proposed budget for FY 2024

Present the Proposed FY-2024 Budget, amended at Conference (Attachment 7). Finance Attachement 7 pa

Although largely based and founded on the Year to Date (YTD) actuals and the Amended 2023 budget there are a few significant adjustments. These adjustments are largely due to the planned move of WSO to Pheonix, AZ in 2024, plans regarding staffing needs, and

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other costs related to the relocation.

MOTION 3:

To approve the new CAWS Financial Guidelines. (Attachment 8) Finance Attachment 8 pa

Financial Guidelines outline of changes and updates:

• House Keeping updates, no content changed:

• Using 2022 Conference Approved content, reformat the guidelines to conform to WSM Branding template.

• Update Document (File) Name per WSM naming conventions.

• Disclaimer and Statement of Purpose moved to before the Table of Contents.

• Appendix Regarding the Individual What is the maximum amount an individual may bequest? Strike $50,000, Add $25,000 one-time donation

• Content Changes:

• Financial Guidelines for Groups, Areas and Sub/Standing Committees changed to, Cocaine Anonymous Financial Guidelines.

• On Table of contents, Remove Budgeting. o Added – Section 6 – FAQs
  • Added Relating to the Individual

• Added Relating to the Group

• Added Relating to the District

• Added Relating to the Area

• Added Relating to the Region

• Added Relating to the worldwide fellowship

• Added Relating to our online meetings

• Added: Section 7 – Appendices
  • Added Group Treasurer Template

• Added District Treasurer Template

• Added Area Treasurer Template

REFERRALS WITH MOTIONS:

REFERRAL No. 12257796.

Group Submission

Request an increase in per diem for WSOT, WSOB, and all other WS Trusted Servants from $55/day to $65/day.

A. MOTION: TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN PER DIEM, ALSO KNOWN AS

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MEALS & INCIDENTALS (M&I), FROM CURRENT $55/DAY TO $65/DAY FOR ALL TRUSTEES AND OTHER WS TRUSTED SERVENTS BEGINNING FY’ 2024.

A. MOTION: Set the World Service Office Per Diem Rate at the standard IRS rate for each fiscal year beginning in 2024 

Refer to the comparison chart of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) rates showing M&I city’s that most WS Trusted Servants will travel to over the next few years.

(Attachment 9) Finance Attachment 9 pa

REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:

None.

REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:

REFERRAL NO. 13098185.

Please provide guidelines for collecting the 7^th Tradition online/virtually and other matters of finance that online groups should be aware of.

This is an ongoing and universal concern to most groups and areas, not just online meetings but also in-person groups due to the widespread use of payment methods like Venmo, CashApp, ApplePay, PayPal, etc. WSOB and WS Treasurer have established an Ad-Hoc committee to investigate options and make recommendations regarding electronic payments for WSOB that also may be viable at the group and Area levels.

REFERRAL NO. 13319453

Wise.com is an international money transfer option for those of us not living in the USA for donations to WSO. Can the Finance committee investigate using this.

Yes.

CLOSED REFERRALS:

REFERRAL NO. 12437022

Individual Submission

Incomplete. No information provided. No action taken. Closed.

REFERRAL NO. 13141331 and 13372074

Individual Submission

I would propose the Financial Guidelines for CA consider where CA groups and CAWSO banks to ensure we don’t bank with organizations that promote or support fossil fuels or arms (guns) industries. Whilst acknowledging Tradition 10, I feel we have a responsibility, as a spiritual entity, to be ethical in our principles.

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(Paraphrased from the referrals)

The requested policy changes to the Financial Guidelines are outside of scope of guidelines purposes. No action taken. Closed.

PRESENTATIONS OF CURRENT ACTIVITIES OR TASKS (no motions)

None

CLOSING COMMENTS:

I express my gratitude, and that of all the committee members, for the opportunity to serve the fellowship in our roles on the Finance committee. We do so with an eye towards sustaining the Traditions and mindful of the importance of exercising prudent financial practices at the WS level as well as providing guidance and support to Groups, Districts, and Areas. In these challenging times and with the advances and changes in how we receive donations in so many different, and evolving, ways we must strive to remain grounded in spirituality and adhere to the precepts of the 12 and 12 in making changes to the guidelines, managing the fellowship’s resources while still practicing our duties to the addict that still suffers.

Respectfully Submitted:

Jim G

Chair / Finance Committee

Jim G explains attachment 1; Income summary January – December 2022.

Attachment 4; was explained by Jim G followed by attachment 5.

Finance Attachment 4 pa

The committee had no comments to add.

MOTION 11:

To approve the 2023 Amended Budget

Proposed Amended Budget for FY 2023 (Attachment 6) Finace Attachement 6 pa

The Finance Committee, along with our WS Treasurer and oversight from assigned WS Trustees, have diligently reviewed the recent history of expenses, income trends and sources, and considered the requests for all the needs for project funds of the Trustees and standing

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Committees. From these reviews and considerations, we have strived to balance the projected growing needs of CAWS with the projected revenues for the coming year.

The Finance Committee, along with our WS Treasurer and oversight from assigned WS Trustees, have diligently reviewed the recent history of expenses, income trends and sources, and considered the requests for all the needs for project funds of the Trustees and standing

Committees. From these reviews and considerations, we have strived to balance the projected growing needs of CAWS with the projected revenues for the coming year. Seconded

Russell S are there any questions?

Miram F – why is there a 16k loss on payroll?

Jonathan H – Payroll taxes is something associated with salaries. It was an estimate which as then been reconciled. That is based on what has happened in first 5 months. Marcel V – question – on salaries is there a list of our special works not interested in names but their jobs.

Jim G – I do not have that info WSOB would.

Louissin B – Why is some sections coloured red when no differences are made and shows as green when there is a difference.

Jonathan H – green and red is used to show good compared to bad. Green has a positive effect, red has a negative effect.

Louissin B – I’m still confused. There is still discrepancies. 400401

Jonathan H – Chip sales are bringing in additional funds therefore it is a good thing so is green.

Louissin B – 901100 – This also green –

Jonathan H -Committee expenses – we spent less money so it is green. Louissin B – 500105

Jonathan H – Merchandise – We spent more therefore red.

Alan S – I got the appendixes and I like the balance sheet. You have 2022 and 2023 but

I don’t see a P&L sheet that compares.

Jim G – we can add that to the BOX.

Alan S – I would like to see them.

Johnathan H – They are in the BOX.

Robert B – question – looking at bottom line it was negative but now positive. Do you perceive this might show in 2024 budget?

Johnathan – Yes

Dawn S – looking at the office expenses 1500 approved budget 10,000 (500240) Jonathan H – Outside professionals were brought in to deal with open service position and help the office become more efficient

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Russell S – with no more debate, let call the vote. All in favour/opposed? Motion passes with minor opposition.

Jonathan H – MOTION 12:

To approve the Proposed budget for FY 2024

Present the Proposed FY-2024 Budget, amended at Conference (Attachment 7). Finance Attachement 7 pa

Although largely based and founded on the Year to Date (YTD) actuals and the Amended 2023 budget there are a few significant adjustments. These adjustments are largely due to the planned move of WSO to Pheonix, AZ in 2024, plans regarding staffing needs, and other costs related to the relocation.

Seconded

Russell S – Would you like to speak to your motion?

Johnathan – Yes, Highlights information from the budget. 7^th tradition – We put in less compared this year. As this year is not a standard year. Updates from Holland convention income went up by 53,000$ but there was an increase in their budget. There was an increase in the rent for WSO which is why there is a difference. But if we stayed in LA it would be an even larger increase. There is still a saving moving to Arizona. While moving we need to hold both offices to support the move. The 1^st payment for new office will be larger.

Salaries – we do not have all positions filled. There was a discussion about current market value to ensure we have talented and skilled person in the office. Salaries based around 3 positions. Translations expense was moved from 2023 to 2024 budget. Russell S. – Please can you not take over for someone in debate. But please continue. Johnathan H. – Continues to explain the budget. We had more data to create the 2024 budget. Based on historical and recent numbers.

Catherine E – I speak strongly against this motion. Due to Trustees travel budget. Catherine E further explains how her Area don’t feel its prudent to meet face to face so continue online.

Robert B – I speak against this motion. Thank you, Jim and Johnathan. I don’t argue with line items, but that money has to come from somewhere. This budget would bankrupt our fellowship.

Wade G – point of clarification from your 2023 budget how is the $104,000 surplus in the 2024 budget.

Johnathan H – responds that this is not a balanced sheet. That surplus would go back to prudent reserve. But most of that surplus has already been received.

Jim G – It does not show where the additional funds go – that is down to WSOB.

Wade G – hypothetical we will receive 104,000 surplus at end of year.

Johnathan H – No. A lot of the money is already in the account. End of year has more

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expenses and tradition 7^th is hight at beginning of year.

Daniel Su – reminder about prudent reserve what attachment.

Johnathan – Its in balance sheet end of 2022. Attachment 3.

Daniel Su – How would the finance committee deal with the prudent reserve running out?

Johnathan – This is not a guarantee that the prudent reserve will be spent.

Jacob M – Question currently with fringe benefits its about 6% what do they include –

Line item 500281.

Johnathan H – Health care

Gary P – I speak in favour of the motion – Statement given about Areas holding money. Now is the time to pay for it. We have to move forward through the fear and move the money.

John B. – Thank you Russell for all this latitude – I am going to speak against the motion. – Statement given – A lot of things cost money – we need to sell it to our Areas that its ok to pay it forward. As a delegate talk to finance committee, regional trustee, and Earl about donations and how they are now safe. Jump on in the water is fine. David C. – question directed at Johnathan – Ad hoc WSOB to create a RFP to deliver the website you seemed optimistic to create a line item, but it does not appear anywhere. What has changed your mind?

Johnathan H – simple answer it was skipped and forgotten it was not a standard line item. It was my fault it was forgotten. Additional items that potentially need to be added have not been as yet.

Parthi T – question – Thank you – what the asterisk beside conference and convention committee are.

Johnathan H – They are budgets we do not touch. Its populated exactly the way it’s submitted to us.

Parthi T – Do we have access to these budgets?

Jim G – We do not share that with the floor.

Parthi T – If I want to see them do I need to put a referral in.

Johnathan H – No just ask them or me and I will show them.

Aurora L – Speaking in favour of motion – Statement given. – I speak to the Trustee budget we meet quarterly but we also meet monthly virtually as well as the committees we sit on we don’t have a free weekend. We sacrifice.

Wesley B. – Speaking for the motion – Statement given. We are careful stewards of this fellowship we try really hard not to spend the money we ask for. We probably have to raise money but we can do this.

Peter M. – Question are you able to provide a breakdown budget to explain the increase in budget for the convention?

Johnathan. – It is not accessible, but we can get that from the convention. Jim G – It is not on the BOX?

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Russell S – Ask your question again.

Peter M – Can the finance committee provide the budget for the convention? Johnathan – Yes we are getting it uploaded now.

Barry H – I speak against the motion – statement made.

Magnus R – Speaking in favour in the motion – we have not been sending

Morten V – Call the question.

Motion 13 – Call the Question

Seconded

All those in favour/against

Motion passes.

Motion 12

All those in favour/ against

Motion passes

MOTION 14:

To approve the new CAWS Financial Guidelines. (Attachment 8) Finance Attachment 8 pa

Financial Guidelines outline of changes and updates:

• House Keeping updates, no content changed:
  • Using 2022 Conference Approved content, reformat the guidelines to conform to WSM Branding template.
  • Update Document (File) Name per WSM naming conventions.
  • Disclaimer and Statement of Purpose moved to before the Table of Contents.
  • Appendix Regarding the Individual What is the maximum amount an individual may bequest? Strike $50,000, Add $25,000 one-time donation
• Content Changes:
  • Financial Guidelines for Groups, Areas and Sub/Standing Committees changed to, Cocaine Anonymous Financial Guidelines.
  • On Table of contents, Remove Budgeting.
  • Added – Section 6 – FAQs
    • Added Relating to the Individual
    • Added Relating to the Group
    • Added Relating to the District
    • Added Relating to the Area
    • Added Relating to the Region
    • Added Relating to the worldwide fellowship
    • Added Relating to our online meetings
  • Added: Section 7 – Appendices
    • Added Group Treasurer Template

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• • • Added District Treasurer Template
    • Added Area Treasurer Template

Seconded

Russell S – Has this changed from you SR14? What changed? Please read the entire motion.

Ewan C reads the Motion.

Seconded

Would you like to speak to motion.

Ewan C – Yes. Following referrals from last year this led us to this motion.

Russell S. – Any further debate? Seeing none.

Prepare yourself to vote.

All in favour/opposition.

Motion passes unanimously.

Jim G – MOTION: Set the World Service Office Per Diem Rate at the standard IRS rate for each fiscal year beginning in 2024.

Motion out of order

Russell S – You don’t need to read out referrals.

Jim G – read out the closing comments on the committee report.

Jim G – Get your phones out

Everyone will be given a packet with 25 flyers to take back to your areas so that you can get the word out about this new application for donations to CA.org everyone has that responsibility to take them back and go to each and every meeting in your area and hand those flyers out so that we can become free to make all the amazing changes that we are looking to make in our fellowship. We will be happy to send electronic versions as well. Please help us get the word out. They will be here tomorrow for you all to take them home.

Questions;

Susan B – could you please use the international trademark C.A. and have it translated in all the languages our fellowship uses?

Jonathan H – We will work on this.

Barry He – How do we move from that platform to this one?

This was something done fairly quickly, please allow us time to get this set up, please reach out to the office to cancel out your old donation from the old platform. Members need to update this on their own. You will have your own log in to do this.

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Parthi T – it’s in US dollars? Can we use credit cards?

Jonathan H – yes

Todd R – Please remind members to sign up through butter and removed from freedom fund

David V – are we leaving freedom fund and coming to this one? Do I have to cancel the old one? Will we be using the old one still?

Jonahtan H – It will end up in the same place. Yes, we are still using the old platform.

We are not cancelling the old platform one yet. We will discuss this in our next meeting.

We don’t know when or if the old platform will be deactivated.

Laurie G – The flyers that have been printed; they don’t have tradition 6 on them. Will the new ones have the 6^th tradition on it? We have the flyers we used ratified at area and would not pass a motion missing Tradition 6 on it.

Johnathan H – We already printed 5k and they’re being delivered today. We’re very sorry that we missed Tradition 6 on the flyer. We thought the necessity was to get this out to you immediately.

Jessie Go – I have to take this back to my area, and I will do so. I am dealing with recovery people, I come from Canada and the money fluctuates on a monthly basis. Is there a way that the amount is done in different currencies?

Jonathan H – this was my referral from 3 years ago, some people brought it to my attention of what about the international fellowship. It was placed on hold until we could figure out the best long-term solution. That process is still going to happen. Not saying this is the final platform that we’ll ever use again. We turned this on regarding 501(3c) guidelines. Email me at treasurer@ca.com to get him more information. Nadz – will it be in the digital cloud?

David c – will they get a free t-shirt?

Jonathan H – yes

Richard B – Receipt mailed out – spelled out “cocaine anonymous world service” and not CAWS, can this please be changed to protect the anonymity of myself and others? Jonathan H – We will look into it

Daniel Sn – How many flyers (25k) is there a space where I can write out the 6^th tradition?

Johnathan H – Yes

Jane B – Suggestion – create a label and run it through there?

Jonathan H – Great idea

Jacqueline R – Let’s get some labels and ask for some volunteers to stick them on the flyer.

Justine K – How much did those flyers cost?

Jonathan H – $700-$800 this has a chance to reach a lot of people and believe it was money well spent.

Harry A – Who approved this flyer? What is that protocol?

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Russell – The flyer needs to come to the floor to be approved.

Clayton P – I wanted to offer info on the approval of flyers, the trustee should’ve approved this flyer.

Aurora L – Clarification this is not a finance committee flyer. This is a World Service Office Board flyer. It’s being submitted in our committee because Jonathan worked on this. This platform and flyer is something we are just presenting, not one we created. Peter M – did the finance committee guidelines can be made non-denominational. Jonthan H – absolutely

Judson W – Motion: to hold the distribution of this flyer until a cheap alternative to comply with the 6^th tradition can be met?

Russell S Out of Order – standing rule 21 if there are any concerns they will be addressed.

Motion withdrawn.

Misty C – we need a hand count of the financial 2024 motion.

Russell S – the outcome of the vote was extraordinarily clear. The member was happy with his response. Now you come to us 45 minutes later. The votes are very clear up here for us to see how many votes are being taken.

Russell S – Seeing no more questions, lets thank the finance committee

Russell S – we have some cool stuff ahead. Dinner is scheduled for 6pm. Return at 4:55 Russel S – LCF is up next.

Renzo L – I’m selling raffle tickets for the holland convention. 25 each – 100 for 5 Michael C – Come to Canada – were selling tickets.

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