Budget
Question
As our association finds itself at somewhat of a standstill, we have taken the decision within the committee to spend money on new flyers, a website and a special campaign, increasing the budget accordingly. We are convinced that the association can afford this rather steep additional expenditure, but do not know whether the members will also see things the same way.
As the chair of the meeting, how should I proceed if the budget is rejected at the general meeting?
Answer
As authority for approving the budget at your association lies with the general meeting, the committee and the chair of the meeting need to ensure that they are well prepared and equipped with good arguments. It is also important that the entire committee is behind the proposal and that the relevant figures are made transparent, meaning that they are comprehensible for the members. It is also helpful to present a longer-term financial plan.
The members can put forward amendments to the proposed budget; it is not a matter of all or nothing. If the passing of the budget appears to be at risk, the chair of the meeting can call on the members or individual voters to make targeted requests for deletion or, where necessary, suggest (tolerable) reductions him- or herself.
Otherwise, the association's democratic rules have to be adhered to.
Question
Our choir is planning to issue a brochure to mark its upcoming anniversary and gained approval from the general meeting for a budget of CHF 500. It has now materialised, however, that the costs have been completely underestimated. Do we now have to have the members vote again on a higher amount?
Answer
By voting on the issue again at an extraordinary general meeting, the committee is playing things safe. You can better judge for yourself whether the ordinary general meeting would approve of a corresponding cost overrun upon being presented with the accounts. Either way, the committee is well advised to inform the members in a timely and transparent fashion.
