Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1516096
| THE COLONY NEWS | MARCH 2024 | 3 From the Desk of Chuck Gordon, Treasurer Originally, I was going to write an article about the budget, such as the budget process, the HOA assessment, etc. However, it occurred to me that perhaps most of you have already seen the Budget Workshop and the Budget Town Hall Meeting, and you already know our next HOA fee amount. It's likely, therefore, that you've had it with the budget. I get it. So instead, I decided to write a short piece, reflecting on my job as your treasurer. First off, please allow me to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to those of you who have given me your kind support and encouragement in my efforts to be your treasurer for the past year and one-half. I'm certainly not foolish or arrogant enough to think that I am the only person here at The Colony capable of doing this work. To the contrary, I've had the opportunity to become acquainted with many people living within our community who impressively possess the skills, knowledge and career experience to perform the role of Board treasurer just as well, if not better than myself. However, and understandably so, only a fraction of them are willing to invest the many hours required of the job. Indeed, it sometimes feels like a real job, especially during the time of year when the budget is prepared. However, I am very pleased to do it. It is my way of giving back to the community. My compensation is the positive feedback I get from time to time that keeps me going. So, I want to thank you for that. Also, please don't hesitate to let me know if there are areas where you believe I need improvement. I've always been one for improvement, and I know that there is always something that I could do better. Fortunately, I have had the good fortune to be surrounded by many excellent people. Besides having a wonderful, supportive wife, I am blessed to work with six wonderful colleagues on the Board. I have learned much from each of them. I am very fortunate to have great people on the Finance Committee with deep and varied financial backgrounds who provide me with a lot of knowledge and assistance. I have recently been assigned to work as the Board liaison with the wonderful people on our Sunshine Committee, possibly the longest running committee in The Colony. I am looking forward to helping them in any way I can. Last but certainly not least is our HOA staff, from the general manager all the way down the line, who I have had the opportunity to work closely with on a day-to-day basis. I am proud to say that we all work together as a team. I have spent many hours working hand-in-glove with the general manager on the budget, as well as other department heads and staff on other matters. I want to thank each of them for their invaluable assistance.