Our finance committee met twice during Q1 of 2025. During those meetings, our committee discussed the following:
- Area Web Hosting Plan
- Problem Summary: Seattle AA has approximately 1,600 meetings to import into our website. This is an exceptionally high volume and places a significant load on our server’s memory and execution time limits. As a result, the import process frequently fails, leading to a 500 Internal Server Error. Occasionally, during off-peak hours, the import succeeds, but this is inconsistent and unreliable.
- The consequence of these failures is that our website is not reflecting the latest meeting information. Furthermore, because of this issue, we are unable to share up-to-date meeting details with the global Meeting Guide, which many rely on to find AA meetings. (From Shu D., Area Webservant
- Discussion: Committee discussed the Webservant’s recommendation of upgrading Area 72’s current web hosting plan, from $540/year to approximately $1100/year. Understood that a temporary fix is in place that has been working; however, Webservant recommended the upgrade as a long term solution. Given this is an ongoing issue that negatively affects carrying the message, committee members expressed support for the request.
- Resolution: Committee unanimously approved to implement the requested upgrade plan at an additional estimated cost of $560/year
- Problem Summary: Seattle AA has approximately 1,600 meetings to import into our website. This is an exceptionally high volume and places a significant load on our server’s memory and execution time limits. As a result, the import process frequently fails, leading to a 500 Internal Server Error. Occasionally, during off-peak hours, the import succeeds, but this is inconsistent and unreliable.
- Spanish Interpretation at Area Corrections Quarterly
- Problem Summary: Area Corrections Chair was contacted by Santiago D. a member of District 1 and newly appointed District Corrections Chair. His first language is Spanish. The Area Corrections Chair spoke with the Area Language Chair, who verified that Corrections is not one of the committees budgeted for Spanish translation in 2025. The two standing committees chosen to interpret were selected by representatives of the Hispanic Language Districts; however, the fact that a district selected a Corrections chair demonstrates a need for formal inclusion at the Corrections Quarterly. The Area Corrections Chair formally requests that the finance committee approve interpretation and the ensuing expenses for three hours of interpretation for the upcoming Area Corrections Quarterly on March 15. (Excerpts from request from Aimee B., Area Corrections Chair)
- Discussion: Committee discussed this request, acknowledging that while Corrections Committee was not one of the committees allocated budget for Spanish Language interpretation this year, the selection of a District Corrections Chair from a Hispanic Language District demonstrates a clear need for this service.
- Resolution: Committee unanimously approved the ~$300 one-time expense for Spanish interpretation at the March Area Corrections Quarterly. The Committee understands that minutes will not be translated for this quarterly. The Area Treasurer and Alternate Treasurer will meet with the Area Language Chair to discuss requirements for the remainder of the year.
- New Podium Microphone for use at Area 72 Events
- Problem Summary: Area 72 has a podium mic that is 12-18” too short for our Area Chair to use comfortably without being hunched over throughout our Area Quarterlies and Assemblies. If approved, this budget request would allow for the purchase of a longer microphone so that our Area Chairperson can conduct business from a more ergonomic position. Total cost of the new microphone would be $399.91 ($365.22 promotional price + $34.69 tax): 24” microphone that was recommended by our technology steering committee and is compatible with our existing equipment.
- Our current microphone was the right size for our past Area Chairperson but is too short for our current Area Chairperson. At the January 2025 quarterly meeting, we did not use our shorter microphone and instead used the hotel’s goose neck microphone at the podium so that our Chair could stand comfortably. Not all upcoming quarterlies will occur at venues that have a gooseneck attachment we can borrow (e.g. church fellowship halls). Our Area Chairperson has requested that we solve this problem so that he isn’t hunched over all day during future quarterly meetings. (From Lisa S., Area Alternate Chair)
- Discussion: Committee discussed budget allocated to Web/Technology for 2025. Budget allocated was $1,950. Alt Treasurer reported that this budget has been spent on 5 hard cases for storage of equipment and 4 cables. Committee noted that this budget request was received from the Alt Chair and not the Tech Committee, that this is a relatively low priority, and that there is additional information needed before approving the expenditure.
- Resolution: The Committee declined to approve this request, 5-1 opposed. The Committee felt that we did not have enough information in order to make a decision at this time, that this issue was relatively low priority, and that it could wait until we reconvene at our next Committee meeting on 4/13/2025. The Alt Chair will be invited to the April Finance Committee meeting so that the Committee can gather more information regarding conversations the Alt Chair had with the Tech Team, budget concerns, and possible alternatives.
- Problem Summary: Area 72 has a podium mic that is 12-18” too short for our Area Chair to use comfortably without being hunched over throughout our Area Quarterlies and Assemblies. If approved, this budget request would allow for the purchase of a longer microphone so that our Area Chairperson can conduct business from a more ergonomic position. Total cost of the new microphone would be $399.91 ($365.22 promotional price + $34.69 tax): 24” microphone that was recommended by our technology steering committee and is compatible with our existing equipment.
Please reach out to me at alttreasurer@area72aa.org if you have any questions.
Derek N.
Panel 75 Area 72 Alternate Treasurer
