Free Press

“The organization has no committees that are authorized to act on behalf of the governing body.”

“Generally, an electronic copy of form 990 is distributed to members of the audit oversight committee (chair, treasurer, and assistant treasurer) who reviews it and the organization's financial statements in a meeting with the certified public accountant retained to prepare these documents. Once the audit oversight committee is satisfied with the accuracy of the information presented, a copy of the form 990 is sent to all board members prior to filing. Each year the entire governing body is offered the opportunity to meet with the organization's certified public accountant to review the audited financial statements and discuss the financial management practice of the organization. This is an optional meeting designed to allow the governing body direct access to the independent auditor.”

“All officers, directors, trustees, and key employees are required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts. Signed documents are collected at the annual meeting of the governing body. If a real or perceived conflict is reported, the procedures in the policy are followed.”

“Each position at free press has a pay range. Ranges are determined after review of salary comparability data, including compensation information received from peer organizations, compensation data from the federal government pay scales, and research on non profit compensation gathered from guidestar, regional employer compensation surveys, and job postings. Management includes staff compensation information, including the ceos and key employees, in the annual budget that is reviewed and approved by the governing body in advance of each fiscal year. A memo outlined the organization's compensation policy and values, highest and lowest paid employees, and other compensation related information is included with the proposed budget. The governing body approves the budget in advance of each fiscal year. Compensation changes during any fiscal year are at the discretion of senior management, and must remain within the board approved budget. Mid year changes to ceo compensation, if any, must be reviewed and approved by the governing body.”

“Free press will provide copies of governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements upon request and within 10 days of any request.”

“The organization's chair, treasurer and chief operating officer assume responsibility for oversight of the audit of the financial statements and selection of an independent accountant. The process has not changed from the prior year.”