| This is a really tough call. Many US lodges have had dues of well under $100, and have kept them low partly because of the concerns of so many of the now-retired members on limited incomes. Unfortunately, the low dues have not kept pace with the needs for repairs and upkeep of the older buildings. There are several lodges in Conn that have sold, or are under such consideration, simply because the members can't afford to rennovate.
Another problem is that some lodges reduce or omit the dues for members after a certain amount of time or service - such as 50 year members or those havign served as WM. At some point, though, with fewer members coming in the paying members will soon be unable to afford the upkeep costs.
Perhaps lodges could have a tiered dues structure, such that retirees could have a reduced fee instead of eliminating it, and that newer members will need to have their dues increased. |