The future of the Batavia Elks Lodge, #950, hangs in the balance, but could be decided as soon as tomorrow, according to Ruler of the Elks, Timothy Garlock.
"We need to reorganize and shape up," Garlock said. "Some folks will not be in the same positions. We can't do the same things we did prior to closing and that's the bottom line."
As The Batavian first reported Saturday, the local Elks Lodge had its charter revoked for a reported problem with complying with Grand Lodge requirements.
Kenneth Burns, one of the three trustees appointed to oversee the lodge, said he wanted to stress that there is no allegation of misappropriation of funds or anything similar.
"I don't want any rumors started against these guys," Burns said.
He characterized the Grand Lodge revoking the local charters as merely an administrative matter.
Like Garlock, he doesn't know what's ahead for Lodge #950.
"I"m not really in a position to say much," Burns said. "It (the closing) could be temporary. It could be long term. It could never (open again)."
Garlock said the lodge has been operating in sound financial shape, paying all of its bills and it has money in the bank. He said it has 210 members.
"We continue to have an impact on the local community," Garlock said. "Like a lot of volunteer organizations these days, we could stand for a few more bodies, but times are what they are."
Among the Elks' charitable activities is a recently completed free-throw basketball tournament and there are local students currently having essays judged in a national Elks scholarship contest.
Garlock also confirmed that the Elks building at 213 E. Main St. is owned by the Grand Lodge and not the local lodge.
Garlock said he could know Lodge #950's fate as soon as tomorrow.
