As fitness centers locally and nationally announced reductions in membership fees, freezing of automatic withdrawals and/or the allowance of cancellations in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland remained notably silent.

Until now.

In an email sent to MAC members late Friday night, president Will Lee and general manager Charles Leverton announced the club’s Board of Trustees has decided to keep doors shut through June 30, “with the hope of reopening on July 1.” The club will not freeze the collection of monthly dues during the hiatus, but rather trim them significantly.

In the letter, Lee and Leverton announced the following reductions:

•50 percent off April dues, in addition to locker rental fees charged in April for the six-month billing period between April to September.

•75 percent off May and June dues and no fees for programs, classes or events during that time.

“As a member-owned club, we differ from other clubs,” Lee and Leverton said in the email. “MAC member dues cover more than just access to facilities and services. MAC member dues serve as an investment in our assets and contribute to the sustainability of our organization into the future. The decision to continue to collect a small percentage of dues allows us to continue this investment. Our hope is that the reduction in dues and fees provides members who have been significantly impacted by this crisis with financial relief during this extended closure.”

Below is a copy of the letter in its entirety:

Dear MAC Community,

During the past week, the Board of Trustees has been immersed in analysis and deep discussion about where we go from here as we navigate this global health crisis. Every single member of our MAC community is affected by this pandemic, and the board takes seriously the responsibility to secure the club’s future while also being responsive to the needs of members and employees.

We have arrived at a decision to keep the club closed through June 30 with the hope of reopening on July 1. This timing will be dependent on guidelines set forth by proper authorities. I know how eager everyone is to restore club operations, and if we can open sooner, we are in a position to do so.

We have also made the decision to refund 50 percent of April dues, as well as any locker rental fees charged in April for the six-month billing cycle that includes April to September. April statements reflected these charges, and you will receive a credit on your account. If you have already paid your April statement, you will receive a refund check around April 15. Dues will be discounted by 75 percent for May and June, and no fees for programs, classes or events will be assessed during this time.

As a member-owned club, we differ from other clubs. MAC member dues cover more than just access to facilities and services. MAC member dues serve as an investment in our assets and contribute to the sustainability of our organization into the future. The decision to continue to collect a small percentage of dues allows us to continue this investment. Our hope is that the reduction in dues and fees provides members who have been significantly impacted by this crisis with financial relief during this extended closure.

Early on, with overwhelming support from members, we paid all employees during the first four weeks of closure. Now with an extended closure to manage through, we must identify how to mitigate the impact on all areas of our organization. In the meantime, MAC employees will continue to develop virtual experiences between now and June 30, and are currently working to expand and enhance the channels for delivery to members. If you need any help getting subscribed to email lists or joining MAC’s social media communities, please do not hesitate to reach out to At Your Service, by emailing atyourservice@themac.com.

We expect many of you will have questions. Please refer to the online FAQ or submit your questions using a Sounding Board.

We are grateful for the way the MAC community has risen to the occasion and has shown such care and compassion for one another. This decision will have a cascading impact on our operational team. We will send updates early next week with specific details.

Sincerely,

Will Lee, President Charles Leverton, General Manager

Board of Trustees

— Joe Freeman | jfreeman@oregonian.com | 503-294-5183 | @BlazerFreeman | Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories