Caroline Ridge Owners Association, Inc.

President’s Message... By Elizabeth Hendricks

May 21, 2003

Sadly or happily, this is my last column. With the impending sale of our house, Al and I will eventually relocate to our new home in South Florida. Before I go I want all of you to know that I have enjoyed the past 4 1/2 years of being Caroline Ridge's President. There were some tough times and there were some great times. A lot has been accomplished and the homeowners for the most part are taking a lot of pride in their lawn and homes which will reflect at the time one may wish to sell. What we needed was consistency in the violations and following through with action. With the management consultant viewing the neighborhood fairly, we are accomplishing this and although many of you thought I didn?’t do this, I can say honestly that this was never an issue with me. Just drive around the neighborhood yourself and see if you think that you are being singled out unfairly.
Over the past few years I have gotten to know most of you personally and have thoroughly enjoyed this. I would like to thank all of you again for your confidence in me and for voting me back each year. Now I have turned my position over to a much younger lady, with new life and feel your Board did a great job by reaffirming my choice by naming Pamela Becker to complete my tenure on the Board of Directors. I feel she will have your best interest at heart as she takes over the reigns as your new President. I know she will conduct herself in a very professional manner while being both firm and fair. Al and I will remain in the neighborhood for a while and I will enjoy my new-found rest. For those who didn?’t attend the last meeting, your new board also includes Jim Maguire as Vice President and Debbie Burdon as the Secretary, both have been long-time residents.
I am told that one of the projects they will be working on this coming year is chairing a committee to help write the architectural standards for Caroline Ridge. This is something that has been needed for some time and when completed will be a valuable asset to every homeowner and every future homeowner coming into the neighborhood. If you would like to be on this committee please let either of them know in-person or you can send an e-mail to the association?’s e-mail box: carolineridgehoa@netscape.net with your name and phone number and the new Board will let you know when this committee will be meeting. Won?’t you please get involved and help them define the standards of your community?
Finally, I?’ve included the approved budget for 2003. When you view it, please note that items such as certified mail fees, late notices and liens, and legal fees have to be paid up-front by the association. However, these fees are eventually recovered when an account is settled.
Approved 2003 Budget: Lawn & Retention Pond Maintenance: $4,752.00, Management Fees: $5,100.00, First Class Postage: $200.00, Certified Mail: $383.00, Postcards (for ballots): $60.00, Office Supplies: $300.00, General Liability Insurance: $800.00, Electricity (Front Entrance): $372.00, Water: $300.00, Annuals: $500.00, Repairs: $300.00, Newsletter Printing: $220.00, Legal Fees: $300.00, Late Notices & Liens: $2,655.00, Corporation Tax Preparation: $175.00, Corporation Annual Report: $68.00, Miscellaneous: $420.00.
Total Projected Income for 2003: $17,544.32 (Includes late fees) Total Projected Budget Expenditures for 2003: $16,905.00. Difference +$639.32 to go to the 2003-2004 Reserve Fund.
Cash balance on-hand as of May 20, 2003: $15,851.56 Amount owed to the Association from Overdue Accounts & Special Assessments $1,622.70.