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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2026 5 August brings the last days of summer, vacations—and budget season at Four Seasons. While budgeting may not be the most exciting task, a balanced budget is essential to a thriving community. is year's budget committee includes Jolene Cooley, Boyd Bartlett, and Howard Ochi from the Finance Committee, along with Jerry Monahan, Barry Ginnetti, and me from the Board of Directors (BOD). Each year, we consider key factors such as the Riverside County Consumer Price Index (CPI), rising insurance premiums, utility costs, and our reserve balance. As of this writing, CPI has increased 3.4% over the 12-month period ending in May 2026: 1. All items (Headline Ination): up 3.4% year-over-year 2. All items less food and energy (Core Ination): up 2.0% year-over-year 3. Food: up 1.9% year-over-year Energy costs continue to rise signicantly. With three facilities and a large property, we use substantial water, electricity, and gas. We are reviewing options to help control costs. Landscape continues to evaluate plants that require less water once established, and the Community Planning Committee is working on an energy study that could reduce electricity costs. Per the 2026 Reserve Study, our reserve funding is currently at an excellent level of 97%. While some may say reserves should be 100% or higher, reserves are intended for repairs and replacements of items in our inventory. Maintaining the property instead of deferring work helps protect resident property values and supports the BOD's goal of keeping Four Seasons looking like a premier resort community. e Fire Mitigation and Landscape Committees are developing a list of re-resistant plantings to replace end-of-life plants. ey are also working with Cal Fire/Urban Fire to determine which trees may need removal or heavy trimming once the State nalizes requirements for red zones. e Lodge and half of e Courts are outside the red zone, while e Summit and the other half of e Courts are within it. In those areas, the 0–5-foot rule may apply, and Landscape will need to be creative while keeping the property attractive. Following state guidelines should also help with insurance premiums. Because assessments are the HOA's only income, it is important to use funds wisely. Each year, we review operating expenses, capital expenditures, and reserve needs. To help manage costs, the BOD has limited contract increases to 3% or less where possible and uses Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to compare vendors. Capital expenditures are limited by civil code to 5% of the operating budget unless approved by a member vote. Reserve spending is handled case by case for repairs and replacements, and the BOD continues to avoid deferred maintenance. e budget process will include several meetings and workshops, with line-by-line reviews and revisions. e nal budget will be presented to the BOD for approval at the November meeting. e budget and Annual Report must be mailed to members by the end of November. e BOD meets on the second ursday of each month at 1 pm in the Ballroom, and all residents are encouraged to attend. Under civil code, the Board cannot engage in direct dialogue during a meeting while a quorum is present. For a more informal opportunity to speak with Board members, "Meet with the Board" is held on the third Wednesday of each month at 2 pm in e Lodge Ballroom. Questions are welcome, except for matters under litigation. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at (714) 722-1301 or by email at kathycravenbod@yahoo.com. Enjoy the remaining days of summer! Message from the Board By Kathy Craven, Board Vice President

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