Finance Committee Agenda - April 2026

Open Meeting, Approve Jan Meeting Minutes, Old Business, New Business, 2027 Budget, Treasurer's Report/Q2 Area 41 Committee Requests

Discuss Agenda items: (three new, one still in committee)

 (NEW) Agenda Item 2026-04-11 002 (Finance)

Send contribution acknowledgements to groups or members that contribute to Area 41.

 Background 

Area 41 previously sent contribution acknowledgements to groups and members as an expression of gratitude and accountability for funds received. This practice is no longer followed. At the General Service Board level, the GSB continues to send contribution acknowledgements through the GSB Treasurer.

A.A.’s service structure is built on gratitude, responsibility, and trust. Tradition Seven reminds us that contributions are both a spiritual practice and an expression of group conscience. Acknowledging contributions affirms stewardship, reinforces transparency, and strengthens the relationship between the Area and the Fellowship it serves.

 (NEW) Agenda Item 2026-04-11 003 (Finance)

Update the Finance Guidelines to require a more detailed financial report to be given each quarter to the Assembly to ensure the Fellowship has the information needed to achieve a fully informed group conscience on area business.

 Background 

Recent Area 41 business meetings have included lengthy discussions regarding Area finances and the cost of services provided to support the Fellowship. However, the Assembly has not received regular, detailed financial reports showing actual expenditures compared to the approved budget, the cost of specific services, or total funds available.

A.A. service relies on informed participation and responsible stewardship. A few related principles include Concepts 3, 9, and 12. Tradition 2 Concept 3 grants a right of decision but also an obligation to report back to achieve a fully informed group conscience. Concept 9 calls for sound leadership and clear accountability. Concept 12 expresses transparency as an integral part of our service structure and that prudence is our financial guide.

 (NEW) Agenda Item 2026-04-11 005 (Finance)

Approve the 2027 Area 41 Budget.

 Background

Area 41 meets quarterly in January, April, July, and October. Submitting the 2027 Area 41 Budget at this time allows the Assembly sufficient opportunity for review and consideration within the regular meeting cycle. Addressing the budget through the standard agenda process helps ensure continuity of financial planning and avoids the need for emergency action at a later Assembly.

AGENDA ITEM STILL IN COMMITTEE:

Agenda Item 2026-01-10 004 Finance: Review Area 41 bank account structure and consider a change to consolidate bank accounts with the Area Treasurer handling Area 41 bill payments and reimbursements instead of each officer and committee chair having an individual bank account.

Area 41 2027 Budget Preparation

Tax Filing- Due May 15th, 2026

*Just as an update- there are two voting items this quarter from Finance Committee

 (VOTE) Agenda Item 2026-01-10 001 Finance

Amend Area 41’s Financial Guidelines to update the dollar amounts set for what expenses can be approved by the treasurer, from $100 to $150 and the Finance Committee, from $400 to $500 as outlined in Section 4, paragraph 1, sections a, b, and c.

  Background 

The current guidelines were approved in 2008. Suggested increases are in line with inflation and maintain the spirit of the limits.

 (VOTE) Agenda Item 2026-01-10 003 Finance

To remove any “Sponsorships or Incentive” payments from outside venues when considering hotel bids. Area 41 will not accept such offers.

  Background 

7th Tradition states, “We are self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” When considering hotel bids for 2027 and 2028, two hotels offered payments from their local Visitors Bureau. These were removed. In the future, any such Sponsorships or Incentives will be deleted from any hotel bids submitted to Area 41 for presentation to the Fellowship.