Recession Special for 2011 Dues?

[Lee Hixson]

Got the CLSA renewal form yesterday. Something's got to give, a least for me, anyway:

$234 NSPS
$159 CLSA
$40 Chapter
________________________
$433 total professional dues

Between me and my past employer I've been able to shoulder the above for the past few years, but I'm to the breaking point. The above is just too much anymore. Might be able to handle the state and chapter, but I may have to forgo all of them. Have any of the associations considered a recession adjustment for a while...or temporary hardship allowances?

[Lee Hixson]

Guess that's their choice, all right...to not reduce the rates. But isn't something better than nothing? Surely, they've had to consider this. The more I think about it the more I realize that I need to skip a year or two if they don't lower the rates.

[Steve Martin]

There was a questionaire circulated regarding the reformation of NSPS which asked how much you think would be a fair dues to pay. Perhaps they will rethink the $241 price tag.

CLSA's dues have not been inflation adjusted in over 20 years. Still $159 and a great value.

[bruce hall]

make my own coffee instead of buying it at the coffee shop. No more snickers bars or diet coke. or even coca mehicana, that's the best. but it does cost more. no more 50 cent tacos. i should take dave ramseys course on financial freedom, but i already did that. just didn't implement it.

two birds were sitting on a fence. one decided to fly away. how many birds are left sitting on the fence?





















two birds. one bird made a decision, just didn't act on it.

[land butcher]

Interesting thread. When I complained about the State doubling our license fee a few years ago no one on here cared.

Govt and Orgs fail to see advantage of a 10% reduction across the board vs members paying them ZERO and never rejoining. One member quitting = 10 members getting a 10% reduction and those getting the reduction will be around when the economy allows a fee increase, those that quit won't be.

[Lee Hixson]

That it's a "good deal" or not just isn't the issue for me right now. Hopefully, the recession won't ever bring you to the point where you can't justify it anymore.

[land butcher]

For those who do not have to worry about paying a $159 every year - I am happy for you. Unfortunately many of you have no consideration for those who have been placed in a position of having to decide whether to pay the $159 ++ or save it for food.

[pls7809]

David,

Full corporate membership is $159. If you're a PLS, but paying $79.50, you should check to see if you are paying for corporate membership. Sounds like you are paying LSIT level.

Ryan.

[land butcher]

Queston

Was CLSA if favor of or had any input in the new ATLA standards. Namely the new rule that the surveyor HAS to have Prof Liability Ins.

I hope the orgs that included that rule got a big "donation" from the insurance industry.

[pls7809]

The insurance requirement is actually part of "Table A Optional Survey Responsibilities and Specifications" as Item No. 21 in the upcoming 2011 standards. Table A items are negotiable.

I'm not sure what level of input CLSA had on the new standards.

[land butcher]

Yea, and you know how negotiable that's gonna be.

[Gromatici]

Maybe they were having too many fly-by-night and weekend warrior surveyor's out there doing ALTA's and then when something bad happens the owner has no recourse. I suspect we'll see fees that correspond to a legitimate business too!

[Lee Hixson]

Just received (via email) the December Focal Point newsletter and (thank you, thank you) the Sacramento Chapter is waiving 2011 dues if you join the state CLSA! A small break, but if I skip NSPS this might be the deal maker. Cool.

[pls7809]

That's great news Lee.

[pls7809]

I was wondering how I could get on that deal...but I guess I have to move ;)

[land butcher]

Maybe they were having too many fly-by-night and weekend warrior surveyor's out there doing ALTA's and then when something bad happens the owner has no recourse. I suspect we'll see fees that correspond to a legitimate business too!



Last I heard ALTAs required a licensed professional, and there is the local professional practices committees.


More insurance will solve everyone's problems, just ask your agent or lawyer.

Why discuss issues with the surveyor when you can grab a quick $10K from his insurance company.

[rpost]

I'm not sure there is such a thing as a fly by night or weekend warrior surveyor. If a licensed surveyor wants to do an ALTA and is competant to, he should. No? If I was not employed and had the opportunity to do an ALTA I'm sure I would and most likely cheaper than an established firm.

[dmi]

I would recommend Dave's article in the Cal Surveyor on moonlighting surveyors. An extra 5 large in your pocket may feel good to you, when you moonlight,but I remain unconvinced that moonlighting surveyors are GOOD for the profession. as a whole. If we are unwilling to consider our actions in relation to the benefit of the proferssion, it won't be long before we are standing outside the nearest Home Depot vying for a job for the day.

Sorry for the further hijack

[PLS7393]

I agree with Dane and sorry for the further highjack of Lee's thread.

The ALTA question should have been in a New Thread, solo. Maybe it will still happen, if another similar thread isn't already there. I think I read a similar post prior.

Lee, as a recession savings, have you heard that the Fresno Conference being the 50th Anniversary this year is . . . FREE!!!

Cudos to the Sacramento Chapter too!!! I see a new topics thread coming to the Santa Clara/San Mateo County Chapter.