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In years the past, the Information Booth was tended by Jean Lasher Gaede from April to October Thursday thru Sunday afternoons at a total operating budget of $8,000. In the off season, Jean was paid for two hours a week to go in and respond to phone messages.
In 2003, a major expansion of Information Booth services was implemented. The booth was redecorated and put online. The new booth manager, Pam Biesele works April thru December Thursday thru Monday afternoons. This will put the regular operating expense of the booth at about $16,000 by years end. Renovation expenses were an additional $4,300. That will bring this year end cost of running the Information Booth to about $21,000.
For simplicity of discussion, this $21,000 of booth cost is paid out of membership dues which by years end should total at least $27,000. This leaves a remainder of $6,000 out of which must be paid the cost of running the web site ($3200), insurance and miscellany and that pretty much zeros out the remainder of 2003 membership dues income.
It would seem likely that our growing organization would want Pam working at least one day a week thru January, February and March just to tend to phone, emails and restocking the brochure racks. Two days at least if she's going to be on the Brochure committee. (and I hope she is because that's a major deal to properly finalize many of the submitted ads). Last year we paid out $800 to outside help for the brochure. Possibly that $800 could be shifted over to Pam who could do 2004 brochure work in amongst her other duties. (Bob, Leilani, this question is for you: Can Pam be your sales assistant and brochure assembly person?). (She does not want to do actual selling though).
Worth pointing out that Pam pretty much designed and, more importantly, GOT DONE the booth renovations. Pam is also quite good at keeping the computers maintained and working with the more basic applications. She also provides her own substitute help when needed. (usually her daughter & sometimes her sister)
One should note that Pam has been struggling to generate additional income even at her current pay. It is entirely possible that regardless of what WCOCA decides she might need greener pastures sooner or later. She is a rather good photographer and can put togather attractive flyers and such. So if anyone has additional paying projects they can throw her way...
Future renovations needed : New roof. (especially now that booth is fixed up).
In conclusion, WCOCA will show about a $5000 shortfall during 2004 unless it either skips the new roof, reduces Pam's hours, cuts discretionary spending or increases membership by about 25. Soo.... maybe we should split the difference and reduce Pam to three days and do a membership drive to get 12.5 more members and cut descretionary spending by 2/3?
Or......... what other ideas might WCOCA consider............?
Full financials are up at:
2003 report shows the WCOCA budget from January to November 14 and also details out separately, the regular operating booth expense and and the renovation expense.
2002 report shows the entire WCOCA budget for 2002 and details out the "BreakEven events" such as SideWalk Sale, Open House and Guitar Auction for 2002.
And I would suggest that everyone at least glance at