2014 synod budget approved

Assembly voting members approved a $970,000 budget for 2014, unchanged from 2013 but down from 2008, when the budget level was $1.1 million.

Former Treasurer Andreas Udbye, temporarily standing in for Diane Stoehr, explained that the budget has shrunk in recent years due to the still-slow economy, congregations that left the synod due to the 2009 ELCA sexuality decision, and aging membership.

Forty percent of the 2014 budget will be forwarded to the ELCA. About $500,000 has been set aside for synod staff and expenses, leaving 5 percent for support of boards or agencies. 

A voting member of the assembly objected to the amount set aside for staff. Udbye said the amount reflects what currently is spent on staff, but that the incoming bishop can change that.