I'd say if it's not in the budget then it needs to be voted on.

We set up an annual budget with about 10 income categories and about 25 expense categories. We approve that at our first meeting in the fall and then don't have to vote on routine spending throughout the year. Our Exec Board has the authority to approve unbudgeted expenses up to $100, otherwise the general membership must approve.

Something to consider...if we have a major unbudgeted request ($400 plus), should we table it for a month for further thought, or just go ahead and vote on it the night it is requested? We've done it both ways this year, but both approaches have their problems. Vote that night: a special interest group could control how you spend your surplus. Table it for a month: straightforward and non-controversial requests are dragged out and delayed for a month. Hmmm. This isn't addressed in our bylaws.

We vote to allocate budgets for each committee. Then they are free to spend that money as needed. If they run out, they need to motion for additional funds.

Individual items not covered by a particular committee budget are voted on regardless of the amount.

we have a $20 cushion on each budget item. ex. the parties amount is $400 if the committee goes over to $420 there is no need to vote, however, if they want to spend $430 we do have to approve it. anything that is not in the budget, we do vote on it. that is stated in our bylaws.

Do you vote on all expenditures at your PTO meetings or only ones not on the budget or over a certain amount?

Our past PTO's never did any of this so I want to know what the general protocol is and no there is nothing in the bylaws. Yes they spent the money on whatever they saw fit. And that leads to another question should there be something stating this in the bylaws?

Cindy S