Board Announces Fee Increases

Craig Escamilla, Strategic Plan Chair, provided Club members with responses to the Spring 2022 Member Survey and announced the increase of some costs beginning on July 1.  These changes will be reflected in the next dues invoices which will be sent in anticipation of July 1. 

He began his presentation by thanking all who responded.  "There were fifty responses received, accounting for a 22% response rate," which he said, "for research purposes is statistically significant."

"The strategic planning committee recommended the following changes to the Board effective July 1, 2022, and the Board approved them on April 26.  They are:

• Increase meal ticket booklet cost from $150 to $170 for 10 tickets
• Increase individual ticket price from $18 to $20
• Increase semi-annual room assessment fee from $25 to $35 (total of $50 to $70 per year)
• Bill membership dues once annually with payment options: once for full year or twice per year for 50%."

"Responses from club members to the survey indicated an understanding of and willingness to support a modest increase to meal prices. We heard that we are approaching the threshold of what members are willing to pay, but there is an understanding that food prices are increasing across the board."

"There is support in the survey for a small Zoom fee, but rather than add yet another fee, we see opportunity to incorporate that into the annual room assessment fee, which ensures that all members who attend contribute to the setup and service costs for use of the Elegante’s facilities and allows us to continue to make Zoom access available."

"There is support in the responses for simplifying the annual dues billing process. We discussed billing once on July 1 vs. January 1 and chose to follow the Rotary fiscal year with the annual billing on July 1."

"Finally, the committee tabled any further discussion of an annual pre-payment option for meals for the year for future discussions."

"We heard feedback about making auto-pay options available. We are in favor of this, but our current systems create limitations on the options. Once we have successfully transitioned to a new Executive Director and CPA firm, we may explore further additional payment options, but in an effort to simplify the process, we do not want to unintentionally complicate it further."

"A common question was whether we reviewed or considered other local meeting locations. While we did not consider that this year, a previous ad hoc committee reviewed and met with several local options just three years ago. At that time, the Eleganté was the best option by nearly all measures, and we have no indication that has changed since Fall 2019.

• Several respondents indicated that they do not eat at our weekly club meetings. We remind all members that the club incurs fees for room set-up, service charges, water, tea, and coffee, and the equipment and licensing fees to provide Zoom access.
• We heard concerns about food quality. Several past presidents indicated that this discussion has existed for over twenty years. We continue to provide feedback to the hotel on the meals at weekly meetings.
• We appreciated seeing that many respondents understand the value of Zoom access being available in occasional or unique situations but see the greatest value from their Rotary membership in attending in person to enjoy fellowship with other Club members.
• Finally, we appreciated the supportive feedback thanking our committee for their work, and I, too, would like to thank the committee members who have devoted time and energy in great supply to this and many other important discussions."

"Our final remaining charge, to review in May, is the distribution of responsibilities between the Rotary office and the various Board leaders and Committee chairs for club activities."

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