FW: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

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From: Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 4:03:55 AM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>
Subject: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

Committee Members,

I want to begin by acknowledging the work that went into the 2026 budget passed in Dallas. The process was thorough and the intent is sound. However, after reviewing the budget in detail alongside our 2025 actuals, I believe we have a fiduciary obligation to revisit several line items.

The core issue is straightforward: our 2026 budget projects a cash flow of negative $45,490... and that assumes we hit $75,000/month in fundraising and membership revenue. In 2025, we only averaged approximately $60,300/month against that same target. If that trend continues into 2026, our real cash flow exposure is closer to negative $220,000. 

We cannot afford another year like 2025, and I don't believe any of us want one.

With that in mind, I am formally requesting that we vote on the following targeted amendments:

1. Ballot Access Fundraising Mailer ($90,210)

Convert this to a triggered expenditure, approved only after Q1 cash position is confirmed. This single change protects roughly $90,000 in liquidity if revenue comes in below target.

2. Audit Services ($25,000) 

This is a new line item with no prior benchmark. I recommend we require a competitive bid from at least three qualified CPA firms before committing. Comparable engagements for organizations our size typically run $12,000–$18,000.

3. Payroll Processing Fees ($20,400)

At $1,700/month, we are almost certainly overpaying relative to current market rates for payroll services at our staffing level. I recommend we solicit at least two competing quotes. Conservative estimate: $8,000–$10,000 in annual savings.

4. Convention Travel & Meals ($118,000)

I would ask that the convention committee provide a per-attendee breakdown and justification before this figure is finalized. A modest reduction of even 15–20% represents $18,000–$24,000 in savings with minimal operational impact.

Taken together, these amendments could reduce overhead by $58,000 to over $150,000 depending on Q1 revenue performance... potentially moving us from a deficit position to breakeven or better.

I am NOT proposing cuts to mission-critical programs, staff compensation, or any of our core operational infrastructure. I am proposing that we exercise the same due diligence any responsible organization should apply... particularly after a difficult financial year.

I know I am just an alternate, but I'd like to request that this be added to the agenda for a vote at our next meeting. I would also be happy to be on the budget committee next cycle, as I have a lot of experience in this area.

Thank you for your time and your continued service to the party.

In Liberty,

Ben Weir

Region 6 Alt

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From: Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 4:45:33 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>
Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

This is definitely needs to be addressed, thank you Mr. Weir for bringing it forward

Libertas sub Christo Rege

Bryce Thon|Region 1 2^nd Alternate|Libertarian National Committee

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From: Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 11:03:55 PM

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From: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 5:45:01 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>; Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

Dang.... 

Mr. Weir is a WAY better Treasurer than Mr. Redpath. 

Can we perhaps... swap their positions? 

Join the fight and support the removal of Antifa from the LP by donating at the link below:

Lp.org/martindonor 

Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono

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From: Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 6:45:33 AM

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From: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 6:01:43 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>; Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>; Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

Mr. Martin,

Please come to order.

Sincerely,

Steven Nekhaila

Chairman, LNC

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From: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 1:45:01 PM

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From: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 6:29:43 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>; Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>; Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

Oh, should I have made that motion?

Join the fight and support the removal of Antifa from the LP by donating at the link below:

Lp.org/martindonor 

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From: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 8:01:43 AM

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From: Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 6:30:16 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>; Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>; Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>; Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

Yes, you should have moved to bring yourself to order.

Keith Thompson

Region 3 South Rep

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From: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 1:29 PM

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From: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 6:35:31 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>; Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>; Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>; Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

Fine then. 

I move we advance Mr. Weir's proposals, and further that we request Mr. Redpath to make arrangements to swap his seat with someone more competent, like Mr. Weir. 

Any co-sponsors? 

Join the fight and support the removal of Antifa from the LP by donating at the link below:

Lp.org/martindonor 

Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono

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From: Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 8:30:16 AM

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From: Andrew Watkins <andrew....@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 6:36:29 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>; Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>; Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>; Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>; Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

I would move these items, but they I think would be better served with a verbal discussion unless Mr. Weir prefers email.

Andrew Watkins

At Large | Libertarian National Committee

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From: Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 2:35:31 PM

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From: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 6:38:29 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Andrew Watkins <andrew....@lp.org>; Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>; Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>; Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>; Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

I agree we need a verbal discussion; we have a quote already from audit committee for the same auditor we’ve been using. I’m not sure if we can get a better price but I will see. I recommend these items come up at the April meeting.

Sincerely,

Steven Nekhaila

Chairman, LNC

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From: Andrew Watkins <andrew....@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 2:36:29 PM

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From: Ben Weir <ben....@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 6:47:01 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>; Andrew Watkins <andrew....@lp.org>; Austin Martin <austin...@lp.org>; Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>; Bryce Thon <bryce...@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: 2026 Budget Recommended Amendments

Thank you all for taking this matter seriously. I think a real discussion on this would be great. From there, any changes can be moved at that time. 

Happy to make suggestions as needed!

In Liberty,

Ben Weir

Region 6 Alt

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
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From: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 2:38:29 PM