When should a moderator recuse him/herself from presiding over a meeting?

[Guest Rick Mallory]

I am a pastor of a small church, where I am asked to moderate all business meetings. We are faced with a situation where, due to a poor economy and church financial situations, my salary package will probably be decreased. Should I, as the moderator of the business meeting, recuse myself for the purpose of this discussion? If not, could I ask/answer questions in my position as moderator? Any clarification would be greatly appreciated!

[Edgar Guest]

Should I, as the moderator of the business meeting, recuse myself for the purpose of this discussion? 

 

I suspect you already know the answer.

[Guest Rick Mallory]

Actually, I don't. I assume that I should allow someone else preside so that I may participate in the discussion. Would that be correct? Also, under what conditions is a ballot vote in order? Is that up to the moderator or must it come from the floor?

 

[Timothy]

It would be better if someone else served as chair for this discussion. The chair should, as much as possible, maintain the appearance of impartiality.

[Edgar Guest]

Actually, I don't. I assume that I should allow someone else preside so that I may participate in the discussion. Would that be correct?

 

I'd say you shouldn't even participate in the discussion. But that's just me, not RONR.

[Timothy]

I'd say you shouldn't even participate in the discussion. But that's just me, not RONR.

 

Some people would agree with that. I'm not sure whether I do or not. I've been in meetings involving similar situations in which the person left the room to give people more freedom to discuss the situation and someone asked what that person thought about it.

[George Mervosh]

I am a pastor of a small church, where I am asked to moderate all business meetings. We are faced with a situation where, due to a poor economy and church financial situations, my salary package will probably be decreased. Should I, as the moderator of the business meeting, recuse myself for the purpose of this discussion? If not, could I ask/answer questions in my position as moderator? Any clarification would be greatly appreciated!

 

As you can see, opinions vary. 

 

The book offers one applicable rule (that I could see).  "Whenever a motion is made that refers only to the presiding officer in a capacity not shared in common with other members, or that commends or censures him with others, he should turn the chair over to the vice-president or appropriate temporary occupant (see below) during the assembly's consideration of that motion, just as he would in a case where he wishes to take part in debate (see also pp. 394–95)."   RONR (11th ed.), p. 451

[Josh Martin]

Actually, I don't. I assume that I should allow someone else preside so that I may participate in the discussion. Would that be correct?

 

In this case, you should allow someone else to preside whether or not you wish to participate in the discussion. Additionally, you should not vote on the motion.

 

Also, under what conditions is a ballot vote in order? Is that up to the moderator or must it come from the floor?

 

Unless your rules provide otherwise, a member would make a motion that the vote be taken by ballot. Such a motion is not debatable and requires a majority vote for adoption. The moderator cannot order a ballot vote on his own.