NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (WKTV) -Can a facility that relies on member dues to stay afloat really afford to say 'no' to anyone in this economy? That is the difficult question a long-time private local swim club is trying to answer Thursday night.

Currently, anyone living in New Hartford - both the town and the village -can join the Woodberry Hills Swim Club. But at Thursday's membership meeting, board members will ask the membership if they are willing to open the club to the entire community, with no geographic restrictions.

One long-time member who asked not to be identified said she opposes opening the club for many reasons. She wonders if any community outsiders would be screened, and doesn't want to see the close-knit group of children who have gone through school together crowded out of their community pool by people who live outside the community.

Board member Bill Morris says kids grow up and families move away -both of which often translate into lost revenue for the Woodberry Hills Swim Club. He says, yes - it's a great facility - and the only way to ensure it stays that way is to grow membership.

Current dues on the club's website are listed at approximately $1200 the first year; $500 for subsequent years.

Board Member Marc Chilton says one reason to open the club is to offer more central New Yorkers a close-to-home recreational option during tough economic times.

Chilton cut short a telephone interview when asked about whether the club had difficultly returning refundable deposits to members who had moved away. The 'financial overview' portion of the club's website says the club's financial status will soon be available and to check back.

If Woodberry Hills Swim Club members Thursday night reject the proposal to open the club, it will remain open only to residents of New Hartford.

The club currently has roughly 130 members.