I understand we do pay a stipend to some of the "professionals" that staff our review committee. I'm not sure why, the most movement I've seen from that group is rolling over.

IMHO, after reviewing the budget, the money they collect from the new fee is just another profit center. They need to support the staff raises for 2011. How many of you are getting raises this year? In addition we need to keep a flotilla of boats and staff at the lake at no charge to residents at a cost of 65k plus. We need a cool 100k+ to hire a special company to run the pool because our community manager wants someone to back us up in court if "something" happens. I'm thinking our attorney's can handle that if and when something does indeed happen. Statistically speaking we would save money using the attorney option.

Frankly, if our management company managed, collection of fines would be more efficient and we wouldn't need more than the $5, $10, or $15 offset. Fines come from people that choose not to follow the community rules. Those that follow the rules and submit the appropriate documents for an architectural approval are bearing the cost of bad management.