Bro. Blake,
I think that is the general instruction to the DDGM's on this... At least, that is kind of what I'm getting from the responses I have seen around on the visit and discussion on the increase. I have not heard of any attempts yet to cut anything, but to continue on as is, with additional things needed (wanted), and no changes to be made, other than "tax" us for it. Don't get me wrong, I am fairly new compared to MANY here, but I still LOVE Masonry, and really think I will for a long time. I do get distressed with some of the things Grand Lodge wants, and not taking time to really get the feel of what the Lodges can do, or want to do. I would think that by now, they would have heard enough to try to make some of the changes we have suggested, both here, as well as when the DDGM's etc visit. I have not heard of anything being discussed as yet, but I may be late in hearing it. Our Lodge raised the dues $10.00 this year BEFORE we found out GL was raising theirs $10.75. Basically, we still have to add .75 per member to make it... If GL is going to raise it again, I hope we can find out LONG before we decide on our's so we can better adjust! We have low dues. It's been at the current rate for probably 25-30 years, and was due to be raised. We are afraid we may lose some over it, but it had to be done. We would only see about $450.00 - $500.00 extra for next year, but that's gone now. Our plan was to go up another $5.00 or so next year, and that will add to what we can have as a surplus, but again, that is a very low amount. If we have to keep giving it up, there is no sense in raising our's and trying to keep folks in the Lodge. Because of the increase in utilities, we have had to cut back in some of the things we planned to do, because we just don;t have the "Manpower" to do a lot of fundraising, and we don't have the folks right now who can make extra contributions. I am one, I have not worked in almost 2 months now. The shop I was working in, is all but closed, and may not make it to next year. No one else in this area has enough work to hire me or anyone else. I had hoped not to have to start driving out of the area to work again, but I may. There is nothing close, but I can get work in Austin and Copperas Cove. Austin is 100 miles away, and Cove is 130 miles. Waco is 60, but not sure of the job market there for folks in my work... Oh well, it will all work out, but it's just going to be tough. The thing is, I am not alone in my situation, and none of the Lodges are alone in this situation. There many out there frustrated with this idea, and many trying to figure out how they are going to make it much longer.
I'm done fussing for now, don't feel much better, but I'm done