Annual Runyan Lake Inc. Association Dues
Dues are established by vote of the RLI Membership during the Fall General Meeting, and invoiced in January of each year to each property within the RLI territory having a unique property tax id.  RLI does not prorate dues. 

As set forth in our Bylaws, unpaid dues will result in a lien being placed on the property.

How are annual dues established?  The Membership has adopted an RLI policy that at year end the RLI bank account shall have at least 2 times the normal annual expenses.  Each year the RLI treasurer reviews the annual expenses.  The treasurer then reviews current and forecasted expenses and offers annual dues proposals to the Membership during our Fall General Membership Meeting to result in the desired bank account balance.  The Membership reviews the proposed annual budget for the next year and votes to establish next year's annual dues at one of the proposed amounts, or at an amount of their choosing.

What is the corporation's fiscal year?  Our fiscal year is January 1 - December 31.

What are the annual expenses our association dues pay for?  All budgeted and actual annual expenses are reviewed during each General Membership Meeting.  Budgeted versus actual expenses are also shown in each newsletter.  Newsletters are available here on our website - see the quick link buttons to the left.  The major annual expenses of RLI are:

Why did our 2014 annual dues increase?  The Membership voted overwhelmingly for improvements to the island to protect it from further erosion.  Island improvement project information can be found here.  These expenses reduced the RLI bank account balance to less than 2 times the normal annual expenses.  During the 2013 Fall General Membership Meeting, the Membership voted to increase the annual dues for 2014 to pay back a portion of the funds needed to return the RLI bank account to the desired balance amount.

Why did our 2023 annual dues increase?  Annual dues are determined by vote of the general membership during our Fall General Membership Meeting, held on 9/2/2022.  A synopsis of that meeting has been posted on the home page of our website since 9/12.  During the Fall General meeting there was a lengthy discussion about cove and boat ramp area dredging and the options for island dock repair.  As documented in the minutes from the meeting (the full draft minutes are available on our website), the membership determined we had insufficient funds to complete all of the projects being requested so they proposed an increase to the dues, which was approved by vote of the membership. 

What if I am having difficulty paying my dues?  If you have a genuine hardship, our Bylaws have provisions to allow the RLI Board to establish a payment plan for you.  Paying your dues is important.  When dues go unpaid, our bank account balance is less than it should be, which often results in the next year's dues being higher for all Members to achieve our desired bank account balance.  Failure to pay your dues on time may result in a late fee, and/or lien upon your property.

Can I use the boat ramp if I have not paid my dues?  Per our Bylaws and the Michigan Public Act we are incorporated under, a person owning property within the RLI territory is a Member  of RLI.  For a Member to be "in good standing", all properties within the RLI territory for which the Member has an ownership interest must have its dues paid in full.  Unpaid dues means the Member is "not in good standing" and, per RLI's Bylaws, rights to utilize corporation property are relinquished until such time as dues are paid in full.  Recent Michigan legislative action and court decisions affirm RLI's right to collect dues, limit Member benefits, and establish liens if dues are unpaid.  All Members retain the right to vote, regardless of dues payment status.

*Note:  If you live in the Runyan Lake Heights, Runyan Lake Point, or Runyan Lake East subdivisions, you also belong to neighborhood associations operated by those legal entities and may also be responsible for annual dues and/or assessments levied by those entities.  Please reference the Other Associations page for more information.

Recent RLI Dues History

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