This article failed to mention the loss incurred by each member as a result of the vote is in excess of $75,000. Membership is also estimated to drop significantly resulting in the dues increase to cover the cost of the $16,000,000 debt being significantly higher than the initial $200 stated. The estimated dues increase is based upon approximately 500+ members. There is significant dissatisfaction within the membership and over 100 people currently on the sell list. It is estimated that 100-200 members are expected to leave because of the vote and dues increase. This decease in paying members will cause the monthly dues to balloon to $1,500-$2,000 a month.
This exorbitant fee structure means Castlewood will no longer be competitive with other clubs in the area. And no amount of membership “rethinking” will be able to change this inevitably.

It seems that there has been a Board disfunction over the past 15 - 20 years given the state of affairs this club is experiencing. Deferred maintenance and ADA issues do not go away miraculously. And the longer a club waits, the more expensive it becomes to fix the issues. Boards not wanting to rattle the existing membership (ie raise dues for necessary maintenance/repairs as they come up during the years) find their club in this type of situation and it does result in a MASS EXODUS of members who do not want to incur any additional costs period. My club did the same, and yes, we lost 100 proprietary members within 6 months. The Board President and past Board President both resigned. Our club has been digging itself our of a financial hole for the past 4 years and only now beginning to see positive momentum. Did we raise dues...yes. Did we obtain loans...yes. Did the subsequent Boards receive heat from members...YES!! Are we viable today...yes!!! Because our Board made the tough decisions and communicated to the members what was going on and included the membership in all major financial decisions. So, Castlewood, you too, can prevail. It just takes time and a Board that works with the membership.