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R-2023-2A and R-2023-4A and must be held over for one year. The resolutions submitted by Deer Lodge No. 14 and
Friendship Lodge No. 37 will conflict with one another if each resolution passes. Additionally, the Committee on
Jurisprudence has pointed out certain issues with each of those resolutions that will cause conflicts in the Constitution
and in the Code if passed as is. Part of our duties is to point out these issues for Grand Lodge to consider with these
points in mind in order that the appropriate action may be taken. The entire list of issues may be found at the end of
each Resolution. The most significant issues are the conflicts between existing language in the Constitution / Code of
Statutes and that of the proposed amendments. Specifically, the proposed amendments set forth different criteria for
the election of Grand Officers than in Sections 510. ELECTED AND APPOINTED. and 520. QUALIFICATIONS OF
OFFICERS.

The following resolutions: R-2023-1, R-2023-5, R-2023-6, R-2023-7 and R-2023-8 are in order and are resolutions
proposing amendments to the Code of Statutes and may be presented as appropriate.

Our recommendation is to allow these resolutions to proceed as a business item at the Annual Communication as
required by Section 470. Subsection C. which states in part “Any resolution, report, or recommendation timely received
is automatically considered as business at the annual communication unless withdrawn.” at which point, the appropriate
action may be taken.

This concludes the preliminary report at this time.

Respectfully Submitted,

Committee on Jurisprudence
Clifford Brophy (62)(53), Chair
Bryan Kirkland
Dustin Timmons
James Manning

(Signature of members pending)
Cody Thormahlen

Report of the Finance Committee

March 4, 2023 @ 10:00AM

The Finance Committee held a meeting on March 4, 2023 at 10:00AM as regularly called and scheduled by the Deputy
Grand Master. The stated purpose of the meeting was to consider the proposed budget and per capita for the Masonic
year July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

The committee members discussed potential sources of revenue available to offset projected expenses. The Grand
Treasurer noted that the note receivable from the IOOF was paid in full last summer and therefore there would be no
further interest income from that note. He also noted that with the increase in interest precipitated by the Federal Open
Market Committee (the Fed) that it was anticipated that Grand Lodge should see more interest from its investments.
As a result, projected income from investments was increased by $10,000. Although the amount of the staff services
agreement was not confirmed with the Montana Masonic Foundation trustees, it was reasonable to assume the staff
reimbursement would remain the same at $48,000. In addition, it was anticipated that Grand Lodge would continue to
get $10,000 to offset the cost of meals at Grand Lodge. Total anticipated revenue, excluding per capita was $101,900.

The committee then reviewed and analyzed projected expenses. Committee members noted that the cost of travel had
increased significantly since the start of the pandemic and that those costs needed to be increased. After consideration,
the committee increased travel reimbursement by $5,000. The costs of the Grand Secretary’s office were increased
$1,500 to accommodate increases in compensation for staff.

A significant increase in projected costs were those associated with general office and operating expenses. One
cost that increased significantly was insurance. In the current year it was budgeted at $16,100, however the current
year costs came in over $24,000. The committee had no reason to expect it to be lower in the upcoming year. This
insurance covers Masonic activities at all of the Lodges in Montana, as well as Grand Lodge activities. In all, the cost
of operation was projected to increase $9,100.