Members overwhelmingly approved Triad Baptist Church’s $2.9 million 2017 budget, up 5.16 percent from 2016, including money to upgrade heating and air conditioning equipment and for post-capital campaign mortgage payments on its Worship Center/Gym.

All the church’s major ministries cut projected spending by 12 percent to finance the increase. While year-over-year giving continues to increase, it had not kept pace with increased budgeted expenses for property. With the 2017 budget, Triad will make the required mortgage payments and will continue to pay additional payments against the principal as contributions are given to the building fund and the completed capital campaign.

The budget also again includes additional funds for health insurance to meet the Obamacare requirements.

Executive Administrator Dennis Roberts said that the property ministries line item saw some of the biggest gains due to needs in that area.

“Building and Ground operating costs are continuing to rise,” he said. “Utility costs have increased, janitorial contracts have increased with more room setups and teardowns, and we are also budgeting some additional funds to replace antiquated HVAC units.

“We feel very good overall about where we are now, and how this budget positions us for the future.”

Among the ministries being officially funded for the first time is the team that does outreach programs at local nursing homes. Meanwhile, Triad continued strong support for missions, which remains one of the largest budget items.

The vote after the Nov. 16 business meeting added Jason and Rachel Fletcher to the list of Triad-supported missionaries. They will receive $225 a month plus a yearly Christmas bonus of the same amount. The church now supports 48 missions and six local nonprofits. The Fletchers serve in Columbia, South America, for the ABWE International.

In addition to the budget and missionary support, Triad members voted to add five new deacons to those who provide oversight of the church’s ministries and operations. They are: Mike Allen, Alan Comer, Will Gibson, Gary Hall, and Phil Willis. (See photos of the five with their families below)

All items presented at the annual business meeting passed and received at least 93 percent of the 254 votes cast electronically or by paper ballot.

New deacons