New Budget, Strong Finances   

By Kristin Lahey, Treasurer

I am pleased to have been elected to the Board of Directors and look forward to continuing to serve our community as treasurer for the upcoming year. I appreciate your support and remain committed to responsible financial stewardship and to maintaining the association's strong financial position.

2027 Budget Ratified: No Increase in HOA Dues!

The 2027 budget was officially ratified at our October annual meeting. We are happy to report HOA dues will remain unchanged for 2027! The budget does include a planned use of about $29,800 from the anticipated 2026 operating budget surplus.

Financial Position Remains Strong

As of Aug. 31, the association's total cash and investments were about $598,900, an increase of $57,300, or 10.6%, since December 2025. After accounting for a few pending adjustments to our August financial statements, our year-to-date operating variance surplus stands at about $18,400.

While overall operating expenses have increased slightly compared with the same period in 2025, much of the increase relates to specific projects and a few specific recurring expenses, including:

• Replacement of pine straw with hardwood mulch, an expense anticipated only every two years.

• Installation of the new pavilion irrigation system.

• Replacement of the main clubhouse door.

• Additional legal expenses.

• Increased electricity costs associated with Phase 2 streetlights.

• Additional pool service costs associated with the lap pool.

These increases were partially offset by savings in other areas, including about $13,800 from the elimination of pressure washing costs.