Chair: Joel Spenadel

The Budget and Finance Committee oversees the synagogue’s annual budgeting process which projects operating income and expenses for the coming year. Our fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. The budgeting process is a seasonal activity that runs from late December through March, with board approval in April and congregational approval at the May annual meeting. The committee meets regularly during the December - March timeframe at the synagogue. Meetings are usually on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Each committee is requested to provide a preliminary budget request by early February. This expense data is compiled and compared to estimated revenue streams (from membership and schools) to determine the extent of any shortfall. The committee, the vice-president responsible for the committee, and the treasurer then discuss ideas for how to balance the budget through increasing revenues and/or decreasing expenses. The executive officers of the congregation provide strategic input and guidance for the budget as well.

All Congregation Etz Chaim members who want to participate in the budgeting process of the congregation are invited to join the committee.