RE: AMA sanctioned club looks to punish members
Our membership fee is $60. If you pay for renewal on or by Dec 31st, you get a $15 discount. Was proposed by the board a few years ago, the membership all voted to put it into place. Previously the dues were $30.
The majority of members just pay the $60 and call the extra $15 a donation to the club.
Ours came about as expenses (ie taxes) were not leaving much from dues, and the need to have most of the dues paid on time so we could budget field improvements and events.