The diocese of Niagara finally has a 2005 budget as delegates to a special financial synod held Jan. 8 at Christ's Church Cathedral in Hamilton, Ont. approved a plan that trimmed expenditures to $3.17 million from a proposed $3.35 million.

Significant cost reductions were made in parish fundraising consulting, episcopal office staff, bishop's discretionary fund, administrative expenses and stewardship and financial development.

Increases in funding included the evangelism officer, which moved into the budget as a result of the withdrawal of private funding, current wage adjustments, personnel transition and severance and Web site support.

Delegates to a financial synod held last November were unable to agree on one of five proposed budget scenarios and parish representatives complained about steadily increasing annual assessments from the diocese.