Dear Fellow Rotarians,
At the Sept. 27 lunch meeting, we shared some news about a conversation that began over two years ago. Prior to the pandemic, it was clear to our administration committee, budget committee, and board of officers and directors that a dues increase would be necessary for the club to maintain a balanced budget. With the arrival of the pandemic, we were able to delay that conversation. As we’ve seen a return to normal club operations, meetings, and service, we’ve also seen an increase in almost every expense of the club due to inflation and we were forced to revisit the conversation. At the recommendation of our administration and budget committees, the 2021-2022 board of officers and directors approved a dues increase of $15 per quarter, or $5 a month, effective January 1, 2023.
Please understand that we do not make this decision lightly. Our club has not seen an increase in our operating dues since 2008-2009. In the 13 years since, we’ve seen an increase in dues we pay on your behalf to our Rotary District, and we have seen an increase every year in dues from Rotary International. That doesn’t take into account the many other expenses associated with operating our club that have slowly continued to increase annually. Since our last dues increase 13 years ago, several factors allowed us to keep from increasing dues including our staff cutting costs where possible and moving the Rotary office to significantly decrease expenses.
On behalf of the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 boards, I want to thank all of you for your understanding and commitment to our club. The Rotary Club of Oklahoma City is able to continue our legacy of service to our local and global community because of the strength of our dedicated members.
Thank you,
Wes Milbourn
President 2022-2023