Comments for Peace River Dog Fanciers http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org Obedience Training & More Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:41:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Audit Vote Results by Jen Pingleton http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/audit-vote-results#comment-24 Jen Pingleton Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:41:24 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=1063#comment-24 May, you state that this motion passed in accordance to our bylaws that were given to us, would you please post for all the bylaw that stipulates the quorum for an electronic vote, as I do not have that particular bylaw in my set. Also, this was based upon our spending protocols that required a majority vote of all members present at the meeting. So how do we determine who was present at the meeting in an electronic vote? Was this motion properly passed? May, you state that this motion passed in accordance to our bylaws that were given to us, would you please post for all the bylaw that stipulates the quorum for an electronic vote, as I do not have that particular bylaw in my set. Also, this was based upon our spending protocols that required a majority vote of all members present at the meeting. So how do we determine who was present at the meeting in an electronic vote? Was this motion properly passed?

]]> Comment on PRDF Welcomes A New Member by Lynn Snyder http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/prdf-welcomes-a-new-member#comment-23 Lynn Snyder Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:58:32 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=991#comment-23 Thank you everyone! a special thank you to Diane and May. Thank you everyone! a special thank you to Diane and May.

]]> Comment on Motion to Audit, File Tax Return and Apply for Non-Profit Status by Jen Pingleton http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/auditmotion#comment-22 Jen Pingleton Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:04:40 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=1026#comment-22 What determines the quorum on electronic voting? Is there a bylaw that sets the standard? When will the votes be made secret like they are supposed to be? I would still like a copy of the bylaw that states electronic voting is allowed and the rules on it. What determines the quorum on electronic voting? Is there a bylaw that sets the standard? When will the votes be made secret like they are supposed to be? I would still like a copy of the bylaw that states electronic voting is allowed and the rules on it.

]]> Comment on Motion to Audit, File Tax Return and Apply for Non-Profit Status by Sonja Ray http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/auditmotion#comment-21 Sonja Ray Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:13:51 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=1026#comment-21 An audit of our finances for the past 3 years is an expensive undertaking, to be sure, but it's absolutely necessary. Our financial records are in a state that does not allow for the luxury of spending weeks shopping around for a cut-rate CPA in an effort to save a few dollars. We need the audit done and done now. Also, keep in mind, the audit is only part of the estimated cost. We also must apply for 501(c) status with the IRS, to get our legal status in order, and the estimated cost includes the application fee to be paid to the IRS as well as the professional fees for assistance in preparing the application. The members of your Board of Directors have already devoted much time and effort in meetings and discussions with respect to our current financial status, and we have concluded that it's time to turn things over to a qualified professional expert who can put our financial affairs in order so that we can continue to operate. An audit of our finances for the past 3 years is an expensive undertaking, to be sure, but it’s absolutely necessary. Our financial records are in a state that does not allow for the luxury of spending weeks shopping around for a cut-rate CPA in an effort to save a few dollars. We need the audit done and done now. Also, keep in mind, the audit is only part of the estimated cost. We also must apply for 501(c) status with the IRS, to get our legal status in order, and the estimated cost includes the application fee to be paid to the IRS as well as the professional fees for assistance in preparing the application.

The members of your Board of Directors have already devoted much time and effort in meetings and discussions with respect to our current financial status, and we have concluded that it’s time to turn things over to a qualified professional expert who can put our financial affairs in order so that we can continue to operate.

]]> Comment on Proposed Amendments of Bylaws Relating to Membership and Board Meeting Schedule by Jen Pingleton http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/bylawamendmentmotion#comment-20 Jen Pingleton Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:39:10 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=958#comment-20 I was wondering when amendments were approved changing the bylaws to allow electronic voting? I know we approved electronic notifications, but not electronic voting. Would it be possible to send me that copy of the amendment so I can put it with the rest of the bylaws, because I cannot locate it? Also, according to the bylaws there has to be 30 days of notification prior to voting on an amendment. Providing notification today with voting starting today and ending on 2/18 is not how I would interpret the bylaws, as that is exactly 30 days, and doesn't allow for voting time. Ballots are also to be secret according to our bylaws, and posting who voted for what and how is not how I would interpret the bylaws as well. If these have been amended, please provide me copies of these as well. In the past, amendments to bylaws were made by holding a special meeting, sending out out proper notification in accordance to the bylaws, and voting was made via a secret ballot. This allowed for members to ask questions and make a fully informed decision before voting. You are asking for members to make quite a few decisions all at once with very little information. It would also be beneficial to have the bylaws and aricles of incorporation posted on our website, so others may refer to them. I was wondering when amendments were approved changing the bylaws to allow electronic voting? I know we approved electronic notifications, but not electronic voting. Would it be possible to send me that copy of the amendment so I can put it with the rest of the bylaws, because I cannot locate it? Also, according to the bylaws there has to be 30 days of notification prior to voting on an amendment. Providing notification today with voting starting today and ending on 2/18 is not how I would interpret the bylaws, as that is exactly 30 days, and doesn’t allow for voting time. Ballots are also to be secret according to our bylaws, and posting who voted for what and how is not how I would interpret the bylaws as well. If these have been amended, please provide me copies of these as well.

In the past, amendments to bylaws were made by holding a special meeting, sending out out proper notification in accordance to the bylaws, and voting was made via a secret ballot. This allowed for members to ask questions and make a fully informed decision before voting. You are asking for members to make quite a few decisions all at once with very little information.

It would also be beneficial to have the bylaws and aricles of incorporation posted on our website, so others may refer to them.

]]> Comment on Motion to Audit, File Tax Return and Apply for Non-Profit Status by Jen Pingleton http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/auditmotion#comment-19 Jen Pingleton Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:35:25 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=1026#comment-19 Have we consulted other CPA's or have we relied soley on the information of one CPA? Have we tried to see if there is a CPA willing to work with us? Have we obtained quotes from other CPA's to see what they would charge for their services? I understand the need for us to get this straightened out, but from my understanding we have relied on information from one CPA and have not consulted anyone else. That is not good business practice. To spend $5k when another CPA in town may do the same exact job for less is crazy. We need to verify what other CPA's would charge for this service, of which I do not recall any of this taking place. Have we consulted other CPA’s or have we relied soley on the information of one CPA? Have we tried to see if there is a CPA willing to work with us? Have we obtained quotes from other CPA’s to see what they would charge for their services? I understand the need for us to get this straightened out, but from my understanding we have relied on information from one CPA and have not consulted anyone else. That is not good business practice. To spend $5k when another CPA in town may do the same exact job for less is crazy. We need to verify what other CPA’s would charge for this service, of which I do not recall any of this taking place.

]]> Comment on Motion to Audit, File Tax Return and Apply for Non-Profit Status by May Inman http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/auditmotion#comment-18 May Inman Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:26:42 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=1026#comment-18 Marty, "posting" online is new to me - please, bear with me. Sleeping at meetings, WHAT!? I will get on a roll here and try to address questions in addition to yours coming my way. First of all PRDF and none of us get to vote on whether we pay taxes or not ... that part is mandatory/law. The goal is to do so to PRDF's best possible advantage. I am not a tax professional/lawyer or guru either and can only relate these answers to you as I have gotten them from the CPA/attorney professional. No one so far has told me they love the IRS so while this is disagreeable, please don’t hurt me either. Don’t kill the messenger. • We have not filed taxes and we need to as we agreed to file for non-profit tax-exempt status and we need our financial affairs in order to proceed • The IRS requires we have a financial audit • We realized that PRDF is not reconciled and balanced with our bank balance and reports of income and expenditures • An outside CPA needs to be hired for the tax-exempt status filing and would help us find out why our accounts are not balanced and clean up our books to file for tax-exempt-filing for non-profit is $2,500± and the other money is an estimate for the CPA review 3 years of “the books” to help us become compliant and in good standing • There are over 2 dozen types of 501(c)'s. “Nonprofit” does not necessarily mean “charity.” What PRDF is seeking is the “tax-exempt status.” Personally, Marty, I, too, think it is a big chunk of money that should have been spent in smaller increments annually to keep PRDF in pristine condition and that is being rectified now in a 3-year+, rather than 1-year, expenditure. And, these are many of the reasons the board discussed and came to the recommendation in favor of doing it now and not putting it off. PRDF should have an active Finance/Audit Committee (which is required by new nonprofit regulations). Trust, but verify. The board is reviewing the committees for 2012 right now and this has been added to PRDF's committee list. If any of you like numbers and are familiar with the workings of nonprofits your expertise is very much needed; if you would like to serve on this committee for 2012, please let any board member know. Hope that answers your questions. Marty, “posting” online is new to me – please, bear with me. Sleeping at meetings, WHAT!? I will get on a roll here and try to address questions in addition to yours coming my way. First of all PRDF and none of us get to vote on whether we pay taxes or not … that part is mandatory/law. The goal is to do so to PRDF’s best possible advantage. I am not a tax professional/lawyer or guru either and can only relate these answers to you as I have gotten them from the CPA/attorney professional. No one so far has told me they love the IRS so while this is disagreeable, please don’t hurt me either. Don’t kill the messenger.

• We have not filed taxes and we need to as we agreed to file for non-profit tax-exempt status and we need our financial affairs in order to proceed
• The IRS requires we have a financial audit
• We realized that PRDF is not reconciled and balanced with our bank balance and reports of income and expenditures
• An outside CPA needs to be hired for the tax-exempt status filing and would help us find out why our accounts are not balanced and clean up our books to file for tax-exempt-filing for non-profit is $2,500± and the other money is an estimate for the CPA review 3 years of “the books” to help us become compliant and in good standing
• There are over 2 dozen types of 501(c)’s. “Nonprofit” does not necessarily mean “charity.” What PRDF is seeking is the “tax-exempt status.”

Personally, Marty, I, too, think it is a big chunk of money that should have been spent in smaller increments annually to keep PRDF in pristine condition and that is being rectified now in a 3-year+, rather than 1-year, expenditure. And, these are many of the reasons the board discussed and came to the recommendation in favor of doing it now and not putting it off.

PRDF should have an active Finance/Audit Committee (which is required by new nonprofit regulations). Trust, but verify. The board is reviewing the committees for 2012 right now and this has been added to PRDF’s committee list. If any of you like numbers and are familiar with the workings of nonprofits your expertise is very much needed; if you would like to serve on this committee for 2012, please let any board member know.

Hope that answers your questions.

]]> Comment on Motion to Audit, File Tax Return and Apply for Non-Profit Status by Lynn Gott http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/auditmotion#comment-17 Lynn Gott Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:42:00 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=1026#comment-17 I'm no finance guru either but from what I understand, and just basic common "cents" to me, is that PRDF needs to get it's finances in order and "do the right thing" as far as being a reputable organization in all respects. We are falling short at this point in time and I feel that needs to be rectified as we move forward and continue to provide our services to the community. I’m no finance guru either but from what I understand, and just basic common “cents” to me, is that PRDF needs to get it’s finances in order and “do the right thing” as far as being a reputable organization in all respects. We are falling short at this point in time and I feel that needs to be rectified as we move forward and continue to provide our services to the community.

]]> Comment on Motion to Audit, File Tax Return and Apply for Non-Profit Status by Marty Allen http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/auditmotion#comment-16 Marty Allen Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:46:25 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=1026#comment-16 Ok, not being any kind of tax guru or anything, what exactly is the benefit to doing this. It may have already been explained at one of the meetings, but that's probably when I was sleeping. :) Also, am I to understand that to have someone do this audit and stuff it's going to cost less then or equal to $5000? Not sure I understand the bennies for doing this. Also, isn't a "501 (C) a charity? Like I said I'm no tax guru so don't hurt me! :) Ok, not being any kind of tax guru or anything, what exactly is the benefit to doing this. It may have already been explained at one of the meetings, but that’s probably when I was sleeping. :) Also, am I to understand that to have someone do this audit and stuff it’s going to cost less then or equal to $5000? Not sure I understand the bennies for doing this. Also, isn’t a “501 (C) a charity? Like I said I’m no tax guru so don’t hurt me! :)

]]> Comment on Motion to Audit, File Tax Return and Apply for Non-Profit Status by Sonja Ray http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/2012/01/auditmotion#comment-15 Sonja Ray Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:06:35 +0000 http://peaceriverdogfanciers.org/?p=1026#comment-15 The past 3 years is what is needed by the IRS to apply for 501(C) non-profit status. Going forward, you're right, an audit should be conducted every year. The past 3 years is what is needed by the IRS to apply for 501(C) non-profit status. Going forward, you’re right, an audit should be conducted every year.

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