sfbiofuels.org

Dear co-op members,

There has been a lot of confusion about annual membership dues. I apologize that this was not clear to everyone earlier in the year. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the dues situation.

The board of directors made a decision at the end of last year to raise dues to $36 for 2007. Membership dues were due January 1, 2007. Dues must be paid before you fuel and only members in good standing (meaning you have paid your dues) will be able to vote in the upcoming board elections.

A bit of history - Dues have changed each year since the inception of the co-op. Dues were $100 in the beginning. We used those dues to pay for our initial infrastructure and startup costs. For 2006, the board decided to lower dues to $12 per year. We also initiated the concept of the $1.00 one-month ($12/12 months) membership for those traveling through town. We have always worked to make biodiesel available to everyone we can.

Back to why $36 for 2007 - Given our current infrastructure needs (new pump and meter), the Board reached a decision at the end of last year, and after much debate, to increase dues to $36 for this year. The co-op has maintained its policy of charging no mark-up on fuel sold to sweat equity members. As a result, we run very lean.

We have also decided to maintain the concept of the one-month membership for those traveling through town; that is now a $3 one-month membership ($36/12 months). The one-month membership is not available for regular members.

For members who would like to get involved in the decision-making process, we welcome your participation at the monthly meetings. For those with an even greater desire to get involved, I encourage you to run for election to the Board of Directors.

We will be having Board elections in March. I’ll be sending out an e-mail shortly regarding the election and soliciting volunteers to run for the Board.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding co-op dues, please let me or another member of the Board of Directors know.

Best regards,

Eric
President
SF Biofuels Co-op