Rhode Island § 7-8-26 - Consumers’ Cooperatives

§ 7-8-26. Apportionment of net savings.

At least once a year, the members and/or directors, as provided in the articles of association or bylaws, shall apportion the net savings of the association, after payment of return on capital, and after deduction of sums retained for proper corporate purposes, which may include an educational fund and a fund for the general welfare of the members, among member patrons, or to all patrons of the association in proportion to their patronage. However:

(1) Not less than ten percent (10%) shall be placed in a reserve fund until such time as the fund equals at least fifty percent (50%) of the paid-up capital, and the fund may be used in the general conduct of business.

(2) Sums allocated to subscribers and nonmembers as a result of the apportionment need not be paid in cash but may, if the articles of association or bylaws provide, be credited on the books of the association toward the payment of the minimum amount of share or membership capital subscribed for, or necessary for membership.

(3) If, within any period of time specified in the bylaws:

(i) Any subscriber has not accumulated and paid in the amount of capital subscribed for, or necessary for membership, whichever is specified in the articles of association or bylaws; or

(ii) Any nonmember has not accumulated in his or her account the sum necessary for membership, or has accumulated the sum but neither requests nor agrees to become a member, or fails to comply with any provisions of the bylaws for admission to membership, then the amount accumulated or paid in may, if the articles of association or bylaws provide, be added to the general funds of the association, and subsequently no member, subscriber, or nonmember has any further rights in the paid-in capital or accumulated credits.