AVMA 2010: Delegates asked to consider smaller, annual dues increases for veterinarians

Atlanta

-- Members of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) may soon face smaller, annual increases in their dues if a proposal passes this week.

The veterinary association's annual House of Delegates meeting kicked off today, and a proposed dues hike remains on the agenda.

In fact, AVMA's Executive Board is recommending the organization move to $10 annual increases for 2013 to 2015, instead of larger, sporadic dues increases -- like the $50 annual increase implemented for 2011 at the January 2010 HOD meeting.

The smaller, scheduled increases would provide the association with a dependable way to keep up with its expenses and lessen the financial impact to members when rate hikes are necessary, AVMA officials say.

Prior to the increase for 2011, the last AVMA dues hike came in 2004 and cost members another $25 per year.

For 2011, the annual dues are set at $300 per year for regular members. The $50 increase will generate an additional $3.5 million for the association, which has no plans to raise dues for 2012.

The new monies, AVMA reports, are meant to help buoy the association's financial reserves following the recession. The budget proposed for 2011 includes $1.7 million in excess revenue, according to AVMA.

The dues proposal was initially submitted by the Executive Board to the House of Delegates for consideration at its January 2011 meeting.