CTL: maybe in very large shuls or a Young israel,but not in your average shteibel where all it does is generally reserve your a seat and that’s about it. I am surprised that the OP is not being offered a seat for the year with membership. In all the local shuls in my flatbush neighborhood shul membership is bet $300 – $600/year which guarantees your seat for shabbos and yom tov with an extra fee for the yomim noraim.
