NEC Expenses:

One of the responsibilities which every NEC member accepts is to attend the two semi-annual meetings of the NEC, for which there are costs of transportation and lodging.  For some of our members the transportation costs associated with attending these meetings are substantial.  Others need merely drive a few miles.  For years we have had a cost-sharing plan in place to keep these costs for each member to something like the average for those living in the Northeast (when NEC meetings were only held at Vails Gate), with some contribution from the EPF budget line called NEC meetings.

The transportation cost per member is now set by NEC action at $125 for each meeting.

In other words, all those with transportation costs in excess of $125 will be reimbursed by the EPF for that excess, while those under the figure will contribute the difference to the EPF.  Personal automobile travel will be reimbursed at the rate of 32.5 cents a mile, the rate allowed by the IRS for deductions for charitable travel.  The difference between total costs and receipts comes out of the NEC meetings budget.  At the October 2003 meeting, we agreed that instead of raising the $125 travel commitment for all, we would ask those who do not attend a meeting to pay the $125. The $125 expense is tax-deductible.  If this plan is to succeed, it is important that you:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->(a)    <!--[endif]-->Make your plane reservations with an eye on the lowest costs, pay attention to fare wars.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->(b)   <!--[endif]-->Accept the EPF frugal living and traveling style.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->(c)    <!--[endif]-->Get help from other sources, such as a friendly bishop’s discretionary fund.

The other expenses you will incur in connection with an NEC meeting is the lodging.

We try to find places that charge no more than $50 per day for lodging and food, this is

becoming harder and harder to find however.  We often enjoy the hospitality of the Order of St. Helena in Vails Gate, NY where they their hospitality and generosity is hard to match.  However, we now are trying to have at least one meeting per year in another part of the country.

The EPF is prepared, if necessary, to subsidize further the travel expenses of NEC members who have difficulty in meeting them.  Any member wanting help should apply in writing to the Executive Director well in advance of the Meeting.

Conversely, NEC members who can help toward covering these subsidies are encouraged to do so.  Contributions are put toward reducing NEC meeting expense line in our budget, and may be made at any time.