ST. LOUIS — Acknowledging the impact of the economy on small credit unions, the Missouri Credit Union Association, in an apparently unexpected move, said Tuesday it is looking to reduce dues next year.

The proposed dues cut, to be voted on at the trade group's annual meeting in April but approved by the organization's board Monday, would reduce the expense for some CUs as much as 17%.

“We recognize the economic pressures and increasingly tight margins that credit unions face today,” said MCUA President/CEO Rosie Holub in a statement. “The league is adequately capitalized and in a position to demonstrate the cooperative spirit. The board felt it was appropriate to do what we can to help support those member credit unions that support us.”

The statement said member CUs would vote on the dues formula change at the organization's annual business meeting April 1 in Jefferson City.

It was uncertain whether other state leagues might follow suit. Only last month, Holub moved up to chairman of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues during its annual winter meeting in Naples, Fla.