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Volume 114, Issue 2
MUTT Leadership Training (Mobile Unit Training Team)
Thanks to past DNACO Ken Brown, Steve Marthouse, members of the PDCO Advisory committee for their
efforts and hard work in developing and presenting the leadership training program held throughout the district
over the past few months. Overall comments regarding this program have been extremely positive and productive.
Plans are already underway for the next series of trainings as the traveling teams complete their final sessions in the
remaining divisions in the district.
Legal Determinations
Several legal determinations have been handed down recently from the Chief Legal Counsel for the Auxiliary. These determinations
encompass Flotilla payment of dues for members, Auxiliary participation in State Boating classes, and right to membership. It is advised
that members read these decisions and abide by the results.
Copies of the decisions are shown below:
1) Flotilla Payment of dues for members:
Gentlemen:
Below, I have reprinted a communication from Bruce Kelton, Deputy Chief Counsel on the
subject of flotillas paying dues for members. Chief Counsel's position comports with
mine. Since this is the official position of CC, it is my opinion that this practice,
anticipated or exercised, must cease immediately.
I do not recommend any appeal of this position.
Martin C. Mooney, Sr.
DSO-LP 5NR
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Martin,
On the issue of Flotillas paying dues for their members, AUXMAN, Ch. 5 section N.3 provides that "Disbursement of funds must
always be used to further the general purpose of the Auxiliary."
Yes, an argument can be made that paying the dues for members could encourage members to stay in the Auxiliary. However, the
general purpose of the Auxiliary is not to retain members. That of course is not a guarantee that they will do anything to further the
general purpose of the Auxiliary. The argument can also be made that paying the dues, or some portion of the dues, for members
who are more active than other members could encourage members to be more active." However, we do not pay members to
perform the mission and we do not encourage members to serve the public with promises of financial reward. Therefore, it is the
opinion of the Chief Counsel that flotillas may not disburse funds belonging to the flotilla for the purpose of paying the dues of their
members.
The above position is the official position of the Chief Counsel. You may cite the aforementioned AUXMAN section as well as the
above opinion of the Chief Counsel.
V/r,
Bruce
Bruce Kelton, CCd
Deputy Chief Counsel
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary