The Board of Directors received a very thoughtful letter from an owner in the Park asking very pertinent questions that the board feels are of benefit for all owners to hear our responses. It is phrased in a question-and-answer format.
Q: I would appreciate detailed information on the distribution of funds within the park.
Specifically, I am interested in understanding the allocation of our annual funds across
various categories, including services, employees, and maintenance. Transparency in these
financial matters is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring that resources are utilized
effectively to benefit the community.
A: Regarding financial issues, we heartily agree that transparency is crucial in this area. I direct you towards the budget proposal that was sent with the annual meeting notice. Everyone should received it via US mail. If you don’t, please contact jsanders@embmanagement.com and we will make sure you get a copy.
Q: What are the communication practices surrounding the park board’s monthly meetings
and decisions. It has become apparent that there is a significant gap in communication,
leaving many residents uninformed about critical decisions that impact us all. This lack of
communication has led to confusion, frustration, and a sense of exclusion among the
residents. Enhanced communication, possibly through regular updates via email or a
dedicated section on the park’s website, would greatly assist in keeping the community
engaged and informed.
A: Communication is very close to the top of the new board’s concerns as well. New
technologies are being put into place that we expect to make communication more streamlined. In the intervening period, we have been sending out updates on the water system replacement project as often as we can via MailChimp (official email communication).
Q: I have observed increased hostility within the community, particularly on social media
platforms. As a long-term property owner, it is disheartening to witness this shift. Improved
transparency and communication from the park board could alleviate some of these tensions and foster a more cohesive and cooperative community environment.
A: Sadly, the board has no control over social media. It is our policy at this time that NO official information will be posted on social media. We agree the level of division has been
extraordinarily high. Please refer to our Park’s Mission statement. It states quite succinctly the
guiding principles to which the board adheres. It is our goal to create community, not destroy it.
Q: Please provide an explanation of the substantial increase in HOA dues over the past few
years. When I first became a property owner, the dues were $800. This amount increased to
$1,200, and rumors suggest that the dues will rise to $1,800. Such significant increases
concern many residents, and I believe a clear, detailed explanation for these hikes is
warranted. Understanding the specific factors driving these increases will help property
owners plan accordingly and assess the value derived from the higher fees.
A: Unfortunately, this board has inherited a failing water system. Repairing it to keep it
operational may no longer be a viable option. Obviously, repairs must continue but the ultimate solution is replacement. That will happen in stages. Water is at the very heart of our community. Without it, we cease to exist. VERY unfortunately, this board has also inherited a budgetary situation very much akin to the water system. As you can see in the financial summary included with the proposed budget, without the additional expenses for water system replacement the assessments would have gone down to roughly $1000 per year because of all the cost cutting the current board has done. The substantial increase is due to the fact the water system replacement reserves were not adequately funded for many years. We went to the cupboard and it was bare, metaphorically speaking. It has fallen upon us, the current Park owners, to pull together and dig deep (pun intended) to continue to make CRCC a great place to live and recreate.
Q: Thank you for your attention to these matters.
A: Thank you for giving permission to use your very pointed questions in this message. You have put voice to what many are thinking. We are owners just like you. We share your concerns.
On behalf of the CRCC Board of Directors
Paul Tews – President
