All other Council members not present were considered excused.
HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE: A letter from the Committee developed from their meeting on 12 June 2007. Three motions were presented from the Committee due to “declining revenues from member congregations” and the need to cut by 50% presbytery’s accounting expenses and to be prepared for projected budgeting realities and future audits. Declining revenues, it was said, reflects declining membership in the churches of presbytery. Discussion based on the letter was entertained.
MOVED and CARRIED “That the position of ‘accountant’ be eliminated from the staff design of New Castle Presbytery ... And, that the present ‘accountant’ Ms. Maggie Riggs, be formally released from her duties effective June 29, 2007, with all appropriate severance as prescribed in the New Castle Presbytery Personnel Policies (September, 2005).”
MOVED and CARRIED “That this action be communicated in a written notice from the Council Chair, as specified in the presbytery Personnel Manual, to all staff of New Castle Presbytery with appropriate explanations.”
MOVED and CARRIED “That Council concur with the H.R. recommendation to engage the services of Brandywine Accounting Inc. Effective July 1, 2007, to assume the bookkeeping, accounting, payroll and med-wrap responsibilities required of the presbytery office at an proposed estimated cost of $30,878. And that the Treasurer of New Castle Presbytery and Brandywine Accounting Inc. Be given permission to terminate the present payroll service arrangement.”
The MOTIONS carried unanimously by a vote 8 to 0.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m. in prayer led by Jenny Warren.
JOHN A. GILMORE, STATED CLERK