Every six months Rotarians in our club receive a bill from our treasurer.  Historically we have not been very good at explaining the components of that bill.

 

The constitution that governs our club provides that Every member shall pay dues as prescribed in the bylaws.  Dues, augmented by new member admission fees, happy bucks and split the pot income, pay for club operating expenses.  Funds raised for community and international projects cannot be used to pay for club operating expenses.

 

The bylaws provide that a budget is prepared by the board in advance of the next Rotary year. In addition, this year the budget was presented to the membership for approval.  To see the budget CLICK HERE

 

Our operating expenses include $120 per member in dues paid to RI and to District 5050.  By far the greatest expense is the cost of meals at our noon meetings and events.  The church now charges us to use its meeting space and there is generally a cost when we move our venue for an event. Our website also costs us about $850 each year.

 

It is our policy for active members to pay for meals regardless of if the member attends or eats a meal.  Exceptions include those excused from attendance under the Rule of 85 or a board approved leave of absence.  The cost of meals has not been included in the bylaws as part of a member's dues, even though we depend on members not eating lunch to help with administrative expenses. 

 

In calculating the semiannual bill, the treasurer estimates the number of weekly lunch meetings and special events to determine the portion for meals.  Lunches have been calculated at the rate of $12.75 per week even though the actual cost paid to our caterer is $14 per person with a guaranteed minimum number of lunches.  This does not include the cost of the venue.

 

It is the consensus of the board to move away from estimating the cost of meals by establishing set dues that would include, unless excused, all meals.  Dues for excused members would also be a set amount with those members paying for a meal only when the member attends the meeting or event.

 

Below you will find a link to the proposed Dues Policy that the board has been considering.  It would take an amendment to our bylaws.  The proposal also adds a member-at-large category to the list of those excused from the meal portion.