Request for hike in POA fee within reason

We were living and working in Colorado Springs in 1983 when we received an invitation from Cooper Communities to spend three days and four nights visiting Bella Vista. We were so impressed with the lakes, golf courses and the other amenities that we bought a lot on that first visit above what is now the Scotsdale Golf Course.

We vacationed in Bella Vista every year after 1983, and then in 1995, we decided to move here. We looked at many houses and happily found the one that suited us. The Property Owners Association dues were no issue. We had been paying them since 1983 and thought they were very reasonable.

Now, we agree that an increase is needed. Just apply common sense: If you go to the website, www.usinflationcalculator.com, put in 2001 (the last time dues were increased) and $24. You will find that $24 is now equivalent to $32.68 in today’s dollars due to inflation. In other words, the POA is only asking that we pay in today’s dollars what they needed in 2001 to maintain the same level of services.

Bella Vista has changed over the years from a retirement/recreation community to a bedroom community for Walmart and its vendors. Retirees now make up approximately 27 percent of Bella Vista’s population, so we need substantial support of the 73 percent who are not retired. If the POA doesn’t get the funds to maintain the amenities here, what happens to the property values of all of us? Are you really willing to take that risk?

We have invested in Bella Vista for 33 years now and for $108 more per year, we are not willing to risk letting this beautiful place we now call home get run down! We encourage everyone to vote “Yes” for the assessment increase. XYTA & JAMES LUCAS

Bella Vista