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Like many of you, I enjoy listening to and watching the birds in my backyard, especially this time of year when the Orioles arrive. I have a large, three-tiered fountain that's been a fixture for nearly 15 years. Each morning, the hummingbirds eagerly wait for me to turn it on so they can bathe and drink, followed by the goldfinches taking their turn. It's a lively, joyful scene until recently, when the trusty old fountain stopped working, much to the dismay of both me and the birds. Fortunately, I had set aside money specifically for situations like this when something around the house or garden reaches the end of its lifespan and needs repair or replacement. Coincidentally, our newly hired landscape company recently discovered a broken water main while conducting an irrigation audit. is is a costly repair and requires the HOA to dip into the funds we've set aside for such major issues. ese are known as Reserve Funds. Just as I plan for unexpected repairs at home, HOAs, particularly in California are required to plan ahead by maintaining a reserve fund. Under the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, all HOAs must establish and maintain a reserve account to cover future repairs and replacements of shared community components. is law promotes long-term financial stability and responsible planning. ink of a reserve fund as a community savings account, designated for the upkeep and replacement of shared assets like roofs, sidewalks, and pools. California Civil Code Section 5550 requires HOAs to conduct a formal reserve study at least once every three years and to review it annually. ese studies evaluate the remaining useful life and estimated replacement cost of key components, helping to determine how much money needs to be set aside each year. To maintain adequate reserves, HOAs may need to increase monthly dues. While this can be unpopular, it's oen necessary to avoid larger financial burdens down the road. Well-funded reserves prevent deferred maintenance, which can lead to more costly repairs and lower property values over time. If reserves are underfunded or unexpected expenses arise, HOAs may need to impose special assessments, a one-time fee charged to all homeowners. ese can be financially disruptive, especially when unplanned. e purpose of the reserve fund requirement is to minimize the need for special assessments by encouraging regular contributions and sound financial planning. Overall, reserve fund regulations are designed to promote community stability and protect homeowners from sudden financial shocks. While it may mean higher monthly dues, it also provides peace of mind by reducing the risk of surprise costs and preserving the long-term value of our community. As our Board of Directors and the Budget Ad Hoc Committee begin work on the 2026 budget, they will carefully review our reserve funds to ensure they are sufficient to meet Four Seasons' future needs. Dues may need to be increased to cover future costs and increased expenses, protecting us from a special assessment in the future. And yes — good news — the fountain is now repaired, and the birds have returned to enjoy the gurgling water once again. All is right with the world. Message from the Board of Directors 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | AUGUST 2025 | Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board of Directors, Rick Adkins, Paul Barr, Fred Kydd, Cliff Post, Mary Reyna, and Dan Ramos, Barbra Balser, President

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