The FY 2027 Budget: On Schedule

BY Dottie Barickman, TREASURER

The annual Budget Prep meeting for Fiscal Year 2027 took place early in December 2025, and spanned a day and half, with new VVA Finance Committee Chair Chuck Odom taking the reins and leading the meeting to conclusion.

We had an unprecedented format suggested by President Tom Burke as the meeting included the VVA Finance Director, as well as VVA’s Fundraising Director. The input of those two department heads was enlightening. Our review of the budget is much easier to understand when we have revenue and expenses to consider and can balance accordingly.

The FY 2027 budget was passed by the Finance Committee, sent to the Officers for a final look, and then on to the Board to consider at its January 2026 meetings.

The organization as a whole will need to focus monthly on the budget to ensure that we stay completely within the bounds of the approved budget to make it through the entire fiscal year. Although a budget is considered a “suggestion,” it is crucial to carefully consider all dollars spent and all revenue received to ensure that our mission can operate smoothly.

As an aging organization, we are faced with unique challenges. The VVA officers, in tandem with the Finance Director, Fundraising Director, and Reserve Investment Fund managers, meet routinely to keep our fingers on the pulse. It takes a plethora of folks to balance the budget and we are striving to ensure that our programs remain at the forefront and our mission lives on.

The VVA staff has a remarkable passion for the organization and its mission, and they assure us often that they are here to serve and are honored to be a part of the ever-changing landscape facing us. They are the silent band of brothers and sisters that often goes unnoticed. The next time you speak with a staff member, thank them for their service, and ask them what you can do to make their jobs easier.

Moving forward, there is work to do in the world of a Treasurer, with contracts, reviews of the monthly financials, reviews of the investment portfolio, and day-to-day tasks that come my way. It remains a pleasure to continue to serve VVA members and to have an opportunity to make a tiny difference in a very large world.

Thank you for your support. If you have comments, questions, or concerns, feel free to contact me at dbarickman@vva.org or 712-314-1808 (cell/text).

2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010