By PETER HUSSMANN
UAW Local 997 union members and retirees brainstormed ideas on how to build up revenues in its building fund during meetings on Tuesday as the membership faced the dwindling financial condition of the organization.
Larry Shaver, a UAW retiree, said more than 100 ideas were discussed on how to prop up the fund during the meetings, but any proposal would first need approval by the international organization.
UAW membership dues are directed to specific funds within the organization, according to the group's bylaws. The building fund is used to keep the facility operational, including the payment of property taxes.
"Property taxes are killing us," Shaver said.
Built in 1955, the building at 1813 1st St. N. has a current assessed value of $219,350, including the more than one acre of lot area. It's current tax bill is $9,052.
The major problem facing the local is the declining membership. When Maytag closed in 2007, the membership stood at about 2,900, Shaver said, although down from its hay days in the 1970s when the 997 boasted 5,000 active members. Today's membership is 239, he said.
The Local 997 does have a large number of retired members, though their voluntary $2 monthly dues don't raise significant amounts.
Shaver said the UAW has had two lots it owns adjacent to the building for sale for more than two years but has yet to receive a bid.
Union leadership will study the ideas generated at Tuesday's meetings before calling for additional gatherings to discuss the situation, Shaver said, noting there are no plans to sell the building at this time.
"We had lots of good ideas," he said.
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