Boondoggle letter full of inaccuracies

Last week’s Weekly Vista included a Letter to the Editor headlines “Boondoggle” which contained a number of inaccuracies and misconceptions which I feel needs to be corrected.

First, the letter states that my office is going to be remodeled. This is not factual. My office has not been remodeled in the time I have worked for the POA, and I have no plans to remodel my office at any time in the future. The office is sufficient as is.

Second, the author claims the assessment vote was advertised to end on Sept. 30 and the Board changed the date “midstream.” This is not factual. Nov. 1 has always been the final date for the vote. Further, the letter implies the Board already knows the outcome of the Assessment Vote. This also is not factual. No member of the Board, no employee of the POA, nor do I know the outcome of the Assessment Vote. Along with the community, we will all find out the results on Nov. 1.

Third, the author takes issue with the planned construction of a wedding gazebo (not a “chapel” as stated in the letter) at Lakepoint. At this point, we have 15 events contracted for Lakepoint, with five of those being weddings that will utilize the gazebo. I am very pleased to report we are at 150 percent of our first-year goal, with additional weddings close to being under contract. I encourage you to take a tour of Lakepoint and see for yourself.

Finally, the author takes issue with the purchase of new wayfinding signage. The author fails to mention that the POA has partnered with the City on the purchase of these signs. The POA received three bids and the lowest was selected. The current wayfinding signs you see in the City, which were installed in 2013, were purchased at an average cost of $5,761. By partnering with the City and getting three bids, the average cost to the POA for the new signs is $3,492. This is a 39 percent discount, which I consider to be a commendable effort in saving money. Also, our existing dark battleship gray signs are not to state standards and are difficult to read at night. The new signs will help direct current and potential future residents to our amenities.

I encourage Bella Vista residents to attend my regular Coffee and Questions meetings to ask about issues such as those covered in the Letter to the Editor. I will always give you an honest and direct answer to your questions and concerns. Tom Judson Bella Vista Property Owners Association General Manager