Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/889575
| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2017 | 3 By Sandra Moyer FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK As you are reading this article, the Board has already announced the final budget at our Oct. 25 open session. Because I must submit my article by the sixth of each month for the following month, I cannot give you specifics but I can give you the factors that were involved in determining our final number. 1. Community Patrol: We knew there would be an increase to upgrade the service that the residents have been asking to implement. We sent out Request for Proposals but we did not receive final bids until Oct. 11. We requested an increase of patrol vehicles from one to three. Two for the south side and one for the north and RV lot. Add a call center to do nothing but answer all calls coming in to the gates. Additional services had not been finalized as of this writing. 2. Water: Rates are going to go up. It is estimated to be between three and five percent per year for the next five years. Not only does that affect our personal use, but also the golf courses and common areas. We know that there will be another drought. What we don't know is what restrictions will be placed on our usage. Because at this time, the Turf Reduction plan was unattainable, we need to formulate a Plan B and put money aside for future turf reduction. The Board is planning for 2019 as a target date to vote on that issue. 3. Minimum Wage: As I stated in my June article, wages went up 50ยข this year and will increase to $1 in January 2018 and every year thereafter through 2022. 4. The Governor's gasoline tax will impact our golf course and common area maintenance vehicles. Along with the wage increase these two factors will have a domino effect with all our vendors. 5. Workman's Comp: We were informed that the rates went up in August of this year and could increase from seven to 11 percent. Again, I did not have final numbers as of this writing. 6. BOE: The Board of Equalization issue is ongoing and do not have final outcome. No one likes to have increases but we know there are factors beyond our control and to keep Sun Lakes our piece of heaven on earth, we must take into account all of the above. Thanksgiving is almost upon us. For many of us, the meaning of Thanksgiving usually includes feasting, four-day weekends, football games, floats, family reunions, or a forerunner to Christmas festivities. No matter how you celebrate, George and I want to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.