2008 Budget

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Please note: The primary reason for the significant increase in the 2008 assessment is that the Homeowners Association inherited a woefully insufficient budget when the Association was officially turned over to the homeowners in March 2007.

Thousands of dollars in budget shortfalls in 2007 were covered by an infusion of cash from D.R. Horton early in the year and by the ongoing generocity of our management company, Northwest Community Management, which provided hundreds of hours of management services above and beyond our contracted allowance without billing the Association for the extra hours required to effectively fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the Association.

The 2008 budget more accurately reflects the actual costs of running the association, including the management fee. Since our elected board members are all volunteers who give their time freely, without financial compensation, it would be impossible for the Association to operate effectively without the services of a management company.

Northwest Community Management Company provides hours of management service each week (handling all inquires from homeowners, conducting site reviews, preparing financial reports, filing tax forms, paying our bills, sending and tracking CC&R compliance letters, processing ARC applications, keeping and storing our legal documents and association records, etc.). The Association could not function without their services.

To put this into proper perspective, the management fee for 2008 is equivalent to the Association hiring one full-time office person to work at minimum wage. With a management company, we get the services of several skilled professionals with a great deal more experience and expertise.

OVERVIEW:

1) Prior to the turnover, the homeowner assessments were not enough to cover the costs of the Association. D.R. Horton had the ability to just write a check to cover shortfalls - no longer true.

2) The Board increased the number of hours of service purchased from Northwest Community Management Company to accurately reflect the amount of time required to fulfill the duties and responsibities of the Association.

3) The Board budgeted funds which would allow us to put out a newsletter and improve communication between the Board and the Membership.

4) The Board budgeted funds for community development activities.

5) The Board budgeted a realistic amount for the cost of postage and mailings.

6) The Board budgeted funds to build up a small reserve to cover unexpected eventualities.

7) The Board will reduce costs through a new landscaping contract.

The significant increase in the 2008 assessment was an unavoidable one-time adjustment necessary to keep the Association operating effecitvely and responsibly in 2008 and beyond.

If you have any questions, please feel free to attend one of the monthly board of directors meetings. The board would be happy to answer any questions.