Rama Finance Meeting Nov. 2010

Chippewas of Rama Community Finance Meeting, Held Thursday, November 25, 2010 at the MASK Community Room.

Rick Morano, Rama's Chief Financial Officer presented an overview of the actual 2010 audited financial statements for Rama.  Visual projection of the audit pages were provided for everyone to see.

Anna Petrick Pollard asked Rick Morano why Chief and Council's salaries were not listed by each individual Chief and Council member.  The amount shown in the statement was a lump sum of Chief and Council and some staff members.  Rick said that he only has to provide this break down of salaries in the Spring.  Anna proceeded to ask what the salaries were and that we have a right to know because this is a finance meeting.  Rick said we will see that amount in the Spring.  Another question was asked by another member with regard to meeting costs.  Then Anna asked what Rick's salary was.  Rick did not want to answer that question.  Anna asked again what Rick's salary was.  He said it was $200,000.  Anna said that if we cut his salary in half, we could save $100,000 right there.  Nancy Bishop said that wasn't going to happen.  Rick agreed by saying it wasn't going to happen.  Anna said Rick got a little defensive there.  Rick agreed and said he doesn't like answering stupid questions.  Anna said it wasn't a stupid question.  Rick said that it is a stupid question when he already answered that question to Anna in the band office on an earlier date.  Anna then commented that the people in the room didn't hear his answer.  Rick said he wasn't going to make it personal and proceeded to continue on with the presentation.  Dan Shilling, First Nation Manager, then said "This is an audit".

Also, Cheryle Snache asked why Chief and Council do not implement cost saving measures such as solar panels and windmills on Ship Island.  The cost of hydro could be reduced for our buildings and community members.  Rick stated that anyone is welcome to provide a report for their review outlining the proposal for energy reduction.  Cheryle said she asks this question every year and nothing is ever done.  If a public school student can come up with a plan, then surely the hightly paid employees of Rama could come up with a plan. 

Also, Ron York asked why does Rama continue to operate retail businesses / stores at Casino Rama if they are not making much money?  We cannot just keep stores open to provide people with jobs.  Rick said well we might have one store that maybe making money.  Ron asked "Maybe making money?"  and Rick agreed.

Also, Ron York asked what Rama is paying for insurance on the pool at Black River Park.  Rick said $7000 a year.  Ron asked why are we paying for insurance when the pool is empty and not being used.

Lisa Ewanchuk asked why does Rama not utilize technology more to reduce the costs for paper and meeting expenses.  Rick said he tried to do this with the electronic software, Saperion, but people did not want to use it.  So, now another program is going to be implemented.

Nancy Bishop asked why we are paying $21,000 in bank fees in 2010.  Rick said he complains about this every year as well to the bank.  It costs the band $450 for every payroll we run through the bank.