[steering] Re: [Finance] evolt's banking conundrum

[Martin Burns]

On Friday, August 1, 2003, at 06:39  pm, David Kaufman wrote:

>> For international people, we may not need physical signatories from
>> outwith the US, as long as it's acceptable that the *authority* for
>> spending money rests with evolt.org (so this group in the first
>> instance).
>
> and that is my big question mark right about now, as well.  how are
> final decisions made here?  by consensus, suggestion, unanimous or
> majority vote?  does someone have a veto-power wielding authority?  or
> do we all "just get along"? :-)

Y'know, you sound just like me 2 years ago *grin*

We were recalling those days over the weekend at euvolt (particularly 
Seb and I as we put together our presentation, but also Elfur) and 
thinking how much better we are now than then.

Nothing's formally written down (and maybe the finance group is small 
enough not to need too much formality), but the rough theory is:
*) Theforum as the body that gives voice to the membership is 
ultimately in charge, and certainly makes all the big policy decisions
*) The working groups make day-to-day decisions - as long as they're in 
line with policy and within the remit of their group, no-one's going to 
complain about their decisions
*) The steering group co-ordinates between the working groups and can 
make *fast* decisions if necessary (with the acceptance that they may 
get an arsekicking over it)

So (for example) if sysadmin reckon we need a new server, no-one's 
going to seriously tell them that we don't. They then talk to finance 
(maybe via steering if no agreement is reached) about whether we can 
afford it. If so, it happens.

Ideally, sysadmin would have a budget and as long as they're spending 
within budget and under agreed limits (eg "Up to $2000 a year, but 
single spends over $500 need specific agreement"), wouldn't need to 
come near finance except for reporting.

aka Business As Usual.

Cheers
Martin