We need assessment increase

Have you seen the price of milk lately? How about bread? Eggs?

Nearly everything costs more today than it ever did. And why? It’s simple economics. When the cost of raw materials goes up, then so does the price of the product they create – the bread, the milk, the eggs, the operating costs of the Property Owners Association.

Yes, the cost of the POA’s doing business has risen in years past, while the member assessments have stayed the same. And that has to end.

If we, the members, want a future that includes upto-date facilities, top-notch golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and other recreational amenities, we are going to have to pony up some money.

Outdated facilities and amenities impact property values. And I do not believe any of us want our investments to lose money.

We can no longer survive on $24 and $16 a month for developed and undeveloped lots respectively. We need an assessment increase.

There is a plan on the table to raise developed lot assessments by $9 a month and undeveloped by $3. For the former that is 30 cents per day. Most of us have that much loose change beneath our couch cushions.

I have heard the complaints from those on fixed incomes — that they can- not afford such a bump in their monthly payment. Really? You mean to tell me there is nothing you can eliminate each month that would equal the cost of this increase?

How about that trip to breakfast after church each Sunday? How about one less trip to the coffee shop?

As a homeowner in this city I support this increase. I want my property value to remain as high as possible. There is absolutely no down side to that.

We will be given an opportunity to vote on this increase later this year. But before you start screaming about how bad the POA is and you wouldn’t vote “Yes” if somebody held a 9-iron to your head, how about educating yourself.

Go to www.bellavistapoa. com. Look on the right hand side of the page for Looking Toward the Future. Click on it and read all about this plan.

This time the POA isn’t simply seeking an increase “because we haven’t had one in years.” They have spelled everything out so you can see clearly and better understand what our future can look like if we approve the increase.

This plan is to improve the quality of life of every POA member. Remember, the Bella Vista Property Owners Association is not just a group of men and women who make up the POA Board of Directors. The POA is all of us. We are all in this together.

Douglas Grant Bella Vista