Executive Council creates new membership options for 2026

On November 5, ORTA held its Biannual Statewide Executive Council meeting.

At the meeting, the Executive Council discussed year-to-date expenses and the 2026 budget. Legal expenses keep rolling in. Despite paying nearly $280,000 in legal costs, ORTA’s investment returns, coupled with members' donations to the Pension Defense Fund, are keeping ORTA in good financial standing.

The Executive Council passed a motion regarding ORTA membership fees. Starting in January of 2026, ORTA will offer three traditional annual memberships and a new, sustaining membership.

The three traditional annual memberships will be as follows. The first option is a one-time annual membership, which will cost $36. Alternatively, members can opt for a 3-year membership for $90. The lifetime membership will remain at $500.

Also, starting in January 2026, ORTA will introduce a Sustaining Membership. This membership will allow members to select a monthly membership payment of $5, $10, or $20.  The sustaining memberships will enable ORTA to better predict its cash flow while also increasing its overall income. This will be a significant step in ensuring that ORTA remains viable for another 78 years, as ORTA has not experienced a membership increase in 15 years, and needs to keep pace with sharply rising costs. 

Dean Dennis, Chair ORTA Executive Council