Hey Larry,
I don't believe you heard the answer that you wanted to hear. Were you a member when we had $20 dues? If so, then you should remember the members were allowed to pay 2 years in advance at the $20 rate, if it was done prior to the increase taking effect. Many members took advantage of this option, so, it created a significant cash influx. An example is my dues are in effect until next April, because I had about a half year remaining, and took the option of an additional 2 years at the $20 rate, but I had to pay it in full two years ago. I haven't owed dues since, but in April I will begin paying at the $30 rate, and will owe dues at that time. There are many members that did the exact same thing I did, so, the treasury has a feast and famine situation. The figures will not stabilize back to normal for another year, but from January thru to the end of next year will progressively stabilize, due to the members who already had dues paid, and took this option, will be having their dues expire, needing to renew at the new rate. So, there will be some fluctuation for another year, this should be the worst year for this problem, and it was discussed that this would be a problem at the time. Some members wanted to renew at $20 for many more years, but 2 was all that was allowed. The reasoning was that since there was a two year option, it would be honored if it came in before the deadline. There is still a two year option, but at the $30 rate. There shouldn't be any abnormal fluctuations when members normally opt for the two year renewal, and probably less than the one year. But, this was not a normal renewal, it was taking advantage of a beneficial option. Annually we get several local members at the summer show, who join, then drop out when their dues expire, ideally that would be replaced by those at the next show, and so on. But, since few things are ideal, this also causes fluctuation, depending on if it is a big show or mediocre, by our normal standards.
So, the problem you saw, was, we had lots of money, payed by dues, now, the HPOCA has to pay to provide the benefits the members already paid for! Does this make things any clearer at all?
Take care!!!
Andy