JustMe wrote:

QUOTE:
I'm surprised this isn't already posted but to those who haven't received your letter, fees are going up another $5 a month. Has there ever been a year without an increase? So tired of this...

Nope, we have had an increase each year and our net services have decreased as Scotter mentioned. We should be happy that it's only $5. Merry Christmas from your Daybreak HOA.

It would have been higher if Qwest hadn't started the $3 per house telecommunity fee kickback per house to the HOA. The HOA is taking on a huge task tracking and reporting homes that need to be disconnected/reconnected. Mr. Teries says the HOA can manage the task without additional manpower or cost to the residents. Think I'll start a pool that includes first date the HOA complains they are short staffed, first date Qwest comes back for an audit, and the amount of HOA dues increase associated with the new staffing required to support the kickback.

Everyone is THRILLED that our internet cost went down. Enjoy it this year, because you will pay for it on the other end next year with a fee increase.

The item on the budget breakdown that ground my gears was the "pools" cost. "Pools"???? (I was so disgusted with the letter and breakdown that I threw it in recycling so don't have the exact percentage.) I know someone will correct me but I think it was 5+% for "Pools". The community has one small pool and a splash pool.

More than anything that is annoying in the budget is raises for the HOA staff. I understand the raises are to be merit based and that's all well and good but it's turning a blind eye to current economic issues. Even the federal government is freezing wages no matter how well you preform your job. The HOA staff wages and benefits are 15-20% higher than the standard in our area. They are not going to starve while we wait for the community to get back on it's feet.