jarmcguire wrote:
QUOTE:
Well this makes it official our HOA must be ran by AIG!
Devra made the same comment at the meeting last night!
The heartburn over the entire budget came from several items. First, the budget wasn't released for preview before the meeting. Second, all questions had to be held to the end of the entire budget line item explanation. Third, as much as they tried to be judicious in streamlining, they just don't get it.
Perhaps the most insulting incident was the presentation of the shortfall and the explanation that it would be up to the community to decide what they were willing to go without. Daybreak residents pay a good $$$ for CCMC's "management expertise". that includes creating a realistic budget for our economic realism. CCMC and Kennecott have built the expectations of the community, it's now their turn to take part in the management of those expectations.
Examples of items to reconsider;
1. The HOA office is moving this year. Current rent for approx 3000 sq ft of office space and 1500 sq ft of storage is $1050. The proposed new office will be 3000 sq ft, no storage at a cost of $6000. That doesn't include cost of the new proposed security system and additional storage cost of $138 monthly.
4. Simple solution, buy one of the many foreclosed homes in the community and save at least 50-60% monthly. Proposed moving cost, $10,000. I'm sure Derek will take measures to get that under control.
2. Security, 179K annually, not including vehicle costs. We aren't getting our return on investment.
3. New employees; 8 part time, 2 full time admins, and a full time asst DCC director. Nuff said.
4. Out sourced pool administration, I haven't had time to get the calculator out and add all the line items as they are spread over several budgets, but first blush, it's over 95K.
5. Water bills for common areas, let just say we aren't a very ecologically minded community.
6. Phone bills, Cell phones, DSL all need to be negotiated.
7. Pool buildings need to be heated in the winter. However the cost of gas for heating a building approximately 800 sq feet, shouldn't cost more than $100-$150 a month in Jan or Feb. But we are budgeted for $900. My 2900 sq ft house doesn't exceed $200. Did KL not build the pool house to energy star standards or are we heating for an employee only sauna. There are technologies available that would bring that heating cost into line. It should be investigated.
Suggestions made by those that attended;
1. Small membership fee for the DCC. $10-15 a month or $1-$2 a visit
2. Remove security or use in a limited application
3. Eliminate pool company and make facilities at your risk.
4. Name tags instead of uniforms
5. Negotiate current costs (phones, dsl, cell phones, etc.)
6. Increase rates at the RV park (from CCMC)
7. Streamline programs
There were many good suggestions at the meeting that aren't on the list.
Bottom line, this isn't any different than the 700B bailout that the government just took from our pocket, other than we should have more input. Everyone has their favorite amenity and all of them should be looked at for efficiency and cost. In this economic environment, nothing should be a sacred cow.
If residents want to see their favorite program of amenity left alone to function as it has, it's a great time to start volunteering, and support your cause to keep costs down.
Forums
I went last year and found it very interesting. 