Hi AK.
We, ie UK Golfers Elite, were in exactly the same position a few months ago.
Since then, we have re-formed as a new CC, and are now going from strength to strength.
Our CC has been created in such a way, that this situation can never happen again, and it is now run by a small committee, rather than one member.
Drop me a friend request if you'd like chapter and verse on what we did, and I'll PM you with details.
Good luck - I know exactly what you're going through.
Steve
edit: the costs you ask about have now been done away with by the new CC Levelling Up process - maximum number increases as the CC gains XP, so if you start over, you will be forced to start small, with a max of 15 members; it's pretty easy to get the next couple of levels though, and you'll soon find yourselves with a 50+ capacity.