8 *Treasurer’s Matters*

Following our last meeting we confirmed by correspondence that minute
7 of that meeting should be understood as giving approval for the
clerk and treasurer to present the annual report and accounts to Area
Meeting on 6th May. This was done, and Area Meeting authorised the
clerk to sign them. Area Meeting also noted our proposal that
consultation on the right use of the legacy from Sue Freshwater should
take place alongside a budget process for 2026 and beyond.

We agree that our clerk and treasurer, consulting with MHMC, SESAM
clerks and David Sterratt (in relation to the 7VT affordability study)
should draw up a draft budget for the next three years which we can
consider in September for presentation to AM in November, bearing in
mind the following principles:

• The budget should be presented for AM approval before year end,
  thereby meeting our commitment to consult on the legacy

• It will be short and understandable to those attending SESAM

• It might group some headings to keep it simple

• It shouild give AM chance to steer priorities, within a realistic
  framework

• It should distinguish if possible between routine spending and
  investment in upgrading our buildings

• It should cover 2026 plus two further years to make a three year
  overall 3 SESAM Trustees April 2025 horizon, to take account of the
  legacy (timing of some spend will depend on architects and builders,
  in practice)

• Investments should aim to enable the two meeting houses to cover
  their costs by 2029, once Quaker use of the buildings (at prevailing
  rates) is taken into account.

• We should engage with Friends across SESAM on plans as they develop,
  and with General Meeting for Scotland, given the need to balance
  investment in buildings with other Quaker activities and that 7VT is
  an asset for all Quakers in the area and across Scotland.