8mdude wrote:Are proxy votes allowed, in case I can't make it? Just want to make the most of $165 spent on the season by voting.
Sorry no proxy votes at the AGM. But to be clear, the only vote at the AGM is the election of Directors for 2018. The members at the AGM can provide their views on fees (there was lots of discussion regarding fees at the open meeting at the Spit, for those who made it), but like most societies, decision about budgets and fees are made by the elected Board of Directors. SWS is always looking for talented people to join the Board of Directors, so it's nice to see that so many have great ideas, hopefully a few will want to step up and contribute their time and efforts to make SWS better.
On that note, as outgoing President I wanted to give people a bit of understanding of what the fees go to. SWS leases the Provincial Crown land called the "Spit" from the District of Squamish. In exchange SWS is required to maintain $5,000,000 of general liability insurance to protect the District and Province from lawsuits. SWS is also required to have retrieval staff present on all windy days in the season. The largest expenses are:
-Staffing
-Insurance
-Seadoos and maintenance (average lifespan of a Seadoo is 4 years)
-Spit maintenance including gravel work
-Port-o-potties
Our operating expenses have remained fairly stable over the last several years at approximately $90,000 to $100,000. Income statements are always provided to members at the AGM. Revenues vary from year to year, mostly driven by weather. This last season was excellent weather so revenues were strong. The previous season weather was poor so SWS had a small operating deficit that was covered by the funds that were prudently stockpiled for exactly such a contingency from previous years. As a non-profit society SWS does not have the ability to borrow funds, so it must maintain a contingency to ensure that we are able to operate year to year.
A $65 reduction in membership fees, as has been suggested, would lead to a reduction of revenue of about $45,500. That would mean SWS would report an operating deficit of $20,000 to $30,000 for 2018, and would not be able to set any funds aside for Seadoo purchase, most likely required in 2019. To reduce expenses SWS could forego any Spit maintenance, or hire less staff, but it would be difficult to balance the services members want and the funds that are available.
There has been lots of discussion about retrieval fees being increased for repeat offenders. It seems like that idea has lots of traction, personally I have not been retrieved since 2014 so I'm not against it. How effective that would end up being as a revenue generator is not yet known, so prudent financial management would favour implementing that and leaving fees stable, and reassessing the impact of increased retrieval fees on general membership fees for the following season.
Another model that has been discussed is increasing sponsorship. There is money available in community grants and also from companies, including the controversial Woodfibre LNG. Chasing down that money takes time, and SWS is seeking a Board member who has the time and ability to try to develop other revenue streams in order to keep fees down.
The Directors of the SWS are volunteers, who donate their time and talents to preserve our right of access to the Spit and to work to ensure an enjoyable experience for members. We are always happy to hear from members about how things can be improved. We are even happier to hear from members who would also like to contribute their own time to improve things. In particular we are looking for two new directors next year, a Vice President and a Communications Director. If you are interested please let me know in advance of the AGM.
