Seeing as we took over the HOA from Ole South, I thought it would be a great time to start a blog where all us neighbors can check in and see what is going on in our neighborhood.
This area and the attached comments section can be utilized by all of us to discuss our concerns, and talk about all the fun stuff that makes living in a community like ours so much fun.
I encourage each and everyone of you to check in, say "Hi" and drop a suggestion or two.
Additionally, I think this is a great place to discuss matters that are of importance to us as neighbors. If I may be so bold as to throw out a couple issues, but why is it our HOA board has allowed Ghertner Company to remain as our property management company WHILE increasing our monthly dues as well as what we pay to Ghertner Company when other HOA associations have found better, cheaper and more comprehensive property management services?
The fact that our monthly HOA dues are increasing come January 1, 2011 is fine, and the need to build a reserve is of utmost importance for our neighborhood longterm, but why aren't we competitively shopping to save money thereby allowing us to bank more of our money.
I came to the 2009 HOA board meeting prepared with quotes from other Property Management Companies that were less expensive than Ghertner as well as landscaping quotes that would have provided more services for less money, and yet the HOA board ignored my suggestions choosing to "stay the course" with the existing companies.
This is a tough environment economically, and there are numerous challenges facing many individuals myself included. Wouldn't it make sense then to look for every opportunity to save OUR money and allocate as much of it as possible to longterm reserve funds that we will as a community eventually need instead of carelessly allowing it to go right out in what amounts to "no bid" contracts?
Chime in, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter as well.
Having been involved with other HOA's, I can tell you that when our board looked at what was being spent, we found ways to save an additional 5-6% annually, and given the budget size of the Barnes Crossing HOA, that amounts to a significant amount.
Let's keep the discussion going, and once again, welcome to the new Barnes Crossing HOA website.
