LisaB12 (South Carolina)
Posts: 13
Posts: 13
Posted:
Hi Everyone!
Thank you all so much for the feedback.
First, I did increase the dues for '09 the allowed 10%. We actually had one resident call and ask why the dues were raised even though she had voted to approve the amendment. The 10% only increased the dues an additional $7.50 annually - hardly enough to cover the increase in electricity. We also have residents who are notorious for not paying their dues on time, and in the past they were pretty much allowed to pay whenever they got around to it. Some even paid in April or May even though they are due by January 31st. These same residents usually claim they never received the December notice regarding assessments, and a couple even suggested I call and remind them.
In 2008, I provided a budget of our actual expenses (i.e, street lighting, office, and property taxes on the common areas), and also submitted quortes from several area contractors to make repairs to our street and speed limit signs. I presented this information, but at that time the majority of attendees were under the impression there was a reserve fund of about 4K (what the former President told them), and based on that they believed ample funds were available to handle maintenance and/or repair costs. However, this was incorrect because it was just the balance for the entire year of collected assessments. This is a perfect example of lack of communication between the prior BOD and residents.
The entrance into our neighborhood consists of two walls on either side which are constructed of river rock, and also attached signs bearing the Apple Valley name. I do not see a problem with it as it is now, and know there are other things we need to address before worrying about having an upscale entrance. I tried to explain we do not even have insurance to cover any damage to the entrance as it is now, and where would the funds come from if someone drove into it or it was damaged by heavy rain? One resident who opposed our amending the restrictions believed the "county" should make repairs to our signs. This really floored me because she is a Deputy with our county sheriff's department. This same resident could not comprehend why we need to increase the assessments because even when there were only 3 houses in the community the assessments were $75.00 and that was enough money to pay for the street lighting. She was totally clueless the Developer was paying the bills for the street lighting during this time.
We have a meeting scheduled for May 16th and it will be interesting to see how well that is attended. The Newsletter gave the time and place of that meeting and the other quarterly meetings for 2009. We will see how many attend. In the newsletter, I always ask for volunteers to help with entrance maintenance, proposed a neighborhood yard sale followed by an evening BBQ. A few people have mentioned a neighborhood BBQ as a meet and greet event. So far, neither the Secretary or myself have received any response.
Lastly, we are in the process of choosing members for the ARC. Up to this point, approval of house plans, additions, modifications, etc. have been given by the Developer; however, it needs to be assumed by the members. One of the residents who submitted their name to serve on this committee was one of the 3 that opposed our amending the Restrictive Covenants (and is the County Deputy mentioned above). Needless to say, I am strongly opposed to this person being appointed as I believe she does not support the efforts of the BOD. Am I within my rights as President to inform this resident the BOD oppose her serving, or should we refrain from saying anything and just go about choosing 3 other residents to serve? Any ideas on this subject? I realize with this thinking I am not promoting "community harmony", but it's difficult to be diplomatic when some residents do nothing to contribute to "community spirit".
Thank you all for your feedback, and I look forward to more suggestions and advice.
Thank you all so much for the feedback.
First, I did increase the dues for '09 the allowed 10%. We actually had one resident call and ask why the dues were raised even though she had voted to approve the amendment. The 10% only increased the dues an additional $7.50 annually - hardly enough to cover the increase in electricity. We also have residents who are notorious for not paying their dues on time, and in the past they were pretty much allowed to pay whenever they got around to it. Some even paid in April or May even though they are due by January 31st. These same residents usually claim they never received the December notice regarding assessments, and a couple even suggested I call and remind them.
In 2008, I provided a budget of our actual expenses (i.e, street lighting, office, and property taxes on the common areas), and also submitted quortes from several area contractors to make repairs to our street and speed limit signs. I presented this information, but at that time the majority of attendees were under the impression there was a reserve fund of about 4K (what the former President told them), and based on that they believed ample funds were available to handle maintenance and/or repair costs. However, this was incorrect because it was just the balance for the entire year of collected assessments. This is a perfect example of lack of communication between the prior BOD and residents.
The entrance into our neighborhood consists of two walls on either side which are constructed of river rock, and also attached signs bearing the Apple Valley name. I do not see a problem with it as it is now, and know there are other things we need to address before worrying about having an upscale entrance. I tried to explain we do not even have insurance to cover any damage to the entrance as it is now, and where would the funds come from if someone drove into it or it was damaged by heavy rain? One resident who opposed our amending the restrictions believed the "county" should make repairs to our signs. This really floored me because she is a Deputy with our county sheriff's department. This same resident could not comprehend why we need to increase the assessments because even when there were only 3 houses in the community the assessments were $75.00 and that was enough money to pay for the street lighting. She was totally clueless the Developer was paying the bills for the street lighting during this time.
We have a meeting scheduled for May 16th and it will be interesting to see how well that is attended. The Newsletter gave the time and place of that meeting and the other quarterly meetings for 2009. We will see how many attend. In the newsletter, I always ask for volunteers to help with entrance maintenance, proposed a neighborhood yard sale followed by an evening BBQ. A few people have mentioned a neighborhood BBQ as a meet and greet event. So far, neither the Secretary or myself have received any response.
Lastly, we are in the process of choosing members for the ARC. Up to this point, approval of house plans, additions, modifications, etc. have been given by the Developer; however, it needs to be assumed by the members. One of the residents who submitted their name to serve on this committee was one of the 3 that opposed our amending the Restrictive Covenants (and is the County Deputy mentioned above). Needless to say, I am strongly opposed to this person being appointed as I believe she does not support the efforts of the BOD. Am I within my rights as President to inform this resident the BOD oppose her serving, or should we refrain from saying anything and just go about choosing 3 other residents to serve? Any ideas on this subject? I realize with this thinking I am not promoting "community harmony", but it's difficult to be diplomatic when some residents do nothing to contribute to "community spirit".
Thank you all for your feedback, and I look forward to more suggestions and advice.