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CoMMunIty news | sun lakes lIfestyles | sePteMBeR 2014 | 3 By George Moyer, SLCC HOA President FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK In my July message, I mentioned that we were already working on the budget for 2015. I do this every year in hopes of generating resident interest in participating in the process, and every year we get less and less. For example, we publish the entire schedule of budget meetings and workshops that are open to the public. At our initial workshop held on July 29, we only had three residents interested enough to attend and participate in the process. The three who did attend were given an opportunity to participate and voice their concerns. The shame of it all is that is the norm. Generally every year there are at least six opportunities where individual residents can view the budget process, see the issues involved and how much they affect the budget, and give their opinions or suggestions. Yet, hardly anyone ever comes. I know that some of you are probably thinking, "What's the use? The board will do what the board will do." Although that is not true, there are some things that are out of our control that must be addressed. The board struggles every year with the fact that many in our community live on very minimal fixed incomes and increases in assessments hurt them badly. On the other hand, newer residents moved here because of what they saw and want to be sure we maintain the community at or above that level of excellence. At the same time, we have to balance that we have a 25 year old infrastructure in need of constant repairs; environmental issues, such as the current drought and uncertain water rates; government mandates, such as minimum wage increases and the Affordable Care Act; rising food costs; and the need to retain adequate reserve levels. Balancing these variables is difficult, and we appreciate any input we receive from the community. This is why we seek recommendations from the Finance Committee and Delegate Assembly. It is also why we have six open budget meetings. By the time this article is published you will only have two more opportunities to see how the 2015 budget is developing and voice your opinions. I encourage you to attend at least one of those meetings. One is on Sept. 11 at the District Delegate Assembly meeting. It will be held in the South Clubhouse at 2 pm. The final time will be on Sept. 17 in the Administrative Conference Room at 2 pm. At each of these sessions the entire budget will be reviewed and you will be given a chance to comment on what you see. Some, but not all, of the issues facing the board are as follows: 1. Should we defer some needed Capital projects? There are a few Capital Improvement projects called for in our Strategic Plan that would benefit the community. We need to decide if it is prudent to proceed now or wait. 2. Should we stop the palm tree skinning/ tree trimming program? For many years these two tree projects were neglected. When we have our high wind events our untrimmed trees become dangerous to people and property. Trimming and thinning them out helps alleviate part of this problem. 3. Where should we set the percentage funded Reserve level? This is a major contributor to increased assessments. Any change in funding percentages, up or down, makes a significant difference. 4. What affect will minimum wage increases and the Affordable Care Act have on us? The 2015 projected increased costs are about $139,000, and it will have a much larger effect on 2016's budget. 5. What should be allowed for increased utility rates? We have already learned that there will not be any electric rate increases in 2015. However, water rates are still under discussion at the city, and no one can give us an estimated amount for us to use in budgeting. 6. When and how much of our common area turf should be converted to drought tolerant landscaping? We know we cannot continue to use the amount of water we do in the face of mandated water conservation due to the drought and the city's ever increasing water rates. I urge you to come to one of the two remaining open budget sessions. It is your community and your money. The board spends many hours in developing a budget that is the best we can do for our residents and protects the beauty and infrastructure of Sun Lakes at the same time. Become part of the process, not ignore it and then complain. Sept. 20 & 21 Sun Lakes Golf Shop Two Day Super SaLe! 20% Off Men's & Ladies Shirts 25% Off Putters In Stock 25% Off All Wedges In Stock 30% Off Drivers & Fairway Woods 30% Off Men's & Ladies Outerwear/Sweaters 30% Off Men's & Ladies Shoes * All sale items are marked down from the member price. Great even f non-golfers in cooler wea er! "I urge you to come to one of the two remaining open budget sessions. It is your community and your money."

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