Rotarians Dick Phelan and Erick Wicklund reported to the club on the state of our finances. Phelan reported that after facing some shortfall during the previous two years, the board decided to raise our monthly dues from $7 per month to $12 per month. This is the first increase of dues in several years and will help the club to continue addressing funding shortfalls. Phelan also reported that the members of the Finance Committee have been brainstorming to identify new areas where we can increase the funds we distribute to community causes through our Community Needs program. Currently we raise about $17,000 each year for Community Needs. Most other service clubs in our area raise anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

Wicklund outlined three options to the members for consideration.

1. Do nothing
2. Increase our monthly assessment for Community needs (currently $10 per month) to $25 per month.
3. Establish new activities to raise charitable funds.

He described a project he helped establish at his former Rotary Club in Florida. The idea is for us to sponsor a live radio auction with services and items donated by local businesses. After presenting a run through on how this auction would work, President Hutto took a vote on the three options from the members assembled, and the consensus was that we will pursue the Rotary Radio Auction. Details will be forthcoming at future meetings.