Welcome to another edition of the monthly SCAORcard.  Before I begin, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve the membership as CEO.  It is a honor to lead such a progressive group of real estate professionals.  As the holidays approach, I wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season.

 

First, Rick Tull, with CPA firm Lank, Johnson and Tull presented the FY 2015 Audit.  No major concerns were presented to the BOD; however Mr. Tull did note that SCAOR was in a good financial position with $1.4mm in reserves.  Second, a discussion to purchase 4,200 Sentrilock Bluetooth lockboxes for $359,000 was tabled until the January 18 BOD meeting.  As CEO, I was asked to review future tax implications and report back to the BOD before an official vote takes place.  Third, the BOD voted to join Bright MLS in 2017.  Bright MLS is a regional MLS that will combine 36 REALTOR Association shareholders in six states plus the District of Columbia.  Monthly MLS fees are anticipated to increase to $35.  The official conversion date has not been decided by the BOD; however it appears a late 2017 date will be considered.   Please contact me if you would like to know more about Bright MLS.  

 

Lastly, the BOD approved the FY 2017 Operating Budget at $598,500 with $12,000 in reserve expenses.  Over 50% of the income, $370,000, is from dues with the remaining 50% of income from a variety of non-dues categories.  On the expense side of the Operating Budget education will cost the organization $27,000, Marketing/Public Relations/Website $21,000, and travel to local, regional and national conferences at $35,000.  For more information on the SCAOR Operating Budget, please contact me at merritt@scaor.com or call the SCAOR office.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Merritt Burke IV

CEO