POA board work session includes new budget

During an open meeting held in Riordan Hall on Thursday, the Property Owners Association leadership almost outnumbered the members during a discussion of the 2017 budget. It was the board’s monthly work session, but it was held in the evening and moved to Riordan. About 20 members attended, along with almost all of the senior staff and board members.

General Manager Tom Judson presented the proposed 2017 budget and a new fee schedule. Although the board usually doesn’t vote at work sessions, Judson asked them to approve the fee schedule because of the number of questions the staff has received recently.

Most of the user fees will not increase in 2017, although a few were rounded up for convenience. Next year, tax will be included in the published fees.

The price of a photo ID for the owner of an unimproved lot was lowered. For the last two years, unimproved lot owners who wanted a photo ID to use amenities were charged $131 plus tax, compared to $35 plus tax for owners of improved lots. The difference in price represents the difference in assessment payments for one year. But, Judson explained, the number of IDs sold to owners of unimproved lots dropped significantly. The board agreed to lower that fee for 2017.

The fee to register a non-motorized boat was raised from $15.20 to $20. Judson said there are a lot of kayaks on the lakes

that will be registered at the higher rate.

The board did not take action on the budget that Judson presented.

He explained that the 2017 budget was developed by the department heads.

“It’s a bottom-up budget,” he said, explaining that his method leads to more accountability.

Some reserves will be spent on capital projects, Judson said, but there will always be enough reserves for an emergency.

The capital projects will be spread throughout 2017, he said, and include cart path work at Metfield and Highlands and a new driving range at Scotsdale.

An addition to the Branchwood building is one of the largest capital projects, at $342,000. Judson said that facility is very busy and needs the space.

But one capital project — a beach at Lake Avalon — was removed from the budget. The beach was part of Judson’s rejuvenation plan and would have been funded by an assessment increase, but the increase was not approved by the membership. The budget predicts an increase of $34,000 in golf fees. Some of those new fees will be paid by nonmembers, Judson said. Food and beverage income is also expected to increase with two new POA-operated restaurants opening.

Tommy Lee, director of Business Development, presented the plan for the Country Club renovations, which include a POA-operated restaurant. That space has been empty for about two months.

When the restaurant reopens, several other changes will be made in the building. Lee said the front of the building will become a welcome center, a place where visitors can get information about all the POA amenities. The pro shop will move into the area where golf and accounting offices are now. The restaurant area will be revamped with a horseshoe bar in the center and will feature casual comfort food, made from scratch.

The large central area will be common area with a large television above the fireplace. Members will be able to rent that area for private events.

The board meets Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Country Club board room. The 2017 budget will be on the agenda