The future of the financially troubled Fairfield Elks Lodge could be decided during a special meeting of the membership scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday) at the lodge.
The meeting has been called by Scott Flota of the Elks Grand Lodge, who is expected to preside. In a postcard mailed to members, Flota urged full attendance.
“I encourage all members to attend. We will be discussing the future of your lodge. It is up to you, the members of this lodge, to decide whether Fairfield, Illinois will have an Elks,” Flota wrote.
Like many fraternal organizations, the Fairfield Elks Lodge has struggled financially in recent years. Those difficulties have led to reduced activities, limited staffing, and shortened operating hours. The lodge has been reduced to one bartender, and the dining room is no longer operating, particularly on weekends, further cutting into revenue.
Reports indicate the lodge is more than $150,000 in debt on a bank note, and its future has appeared increasingly uncertain in recent weeks. If the lodge were to close, questions remain about the fate of the large building. The property is owned by the Elks Grand Lodge, and it is unclear whether the organization would maintain the building or repurpose it if Fairfield’s lodge ceases operations.