Interesting. Let's do a quick review. TowneLake has 203 homes. There are around 55 homes on the lake. All residents pay the same monthly assessment of only $36/month. Approximately 150 homes not on the lake pay for the few that are on the lake, yet few of those enjoy the benefits of the lake. These residents have voiced there opinion about the unfairness. Last year we spent $48,000 more than we received in assessments. Most of this expense was the result of Saving The Lake. We came very, very close to loosing the lake & having a big mud pit. Talk about one time assessments, the cost to fill the lake was over 1 million dollars. Your home value would have dropped by $20,000. The board spent close to 100 volunteer hours on the debacle, with zero help from our previous management company, hence, previous.
Our 2010 operating budget has a deficit of $9,000. We can not spend more than we take in without going bankrupt. I hope the feds are listening. One time assessments are not popular. I really doubt the other 202 residents will open there check book for the grass behind your house. Let's be realistic. Board members have the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best fair interest off the entire neighborhood. Obviously one half of the lake has been mowed & maintained. The Southside that has the very steep bank has not been addressed. A bid was given by Wildwood that was way too high. A third bid was received and accepted.
Our $15,000 debt to the Edwards Aquifer will be satisfied October first. We have had two years of very high expenses all related to the lake. Things will be different in 2011.
Last September we had two persons volunteer to perform landscaping services for a short period of time to help save funds so that we could solve our common lake problem. Since last September we have had five additional persons Step Up to help. What an inspiring community spirit. Together we have saved the lazy bones of our neighborhood over $10,000. Had we know the drought was over, we would not have volunteered.
If you want to be critical of the board, come to the meetings. Show your face & present your views for the group to evaluate. If you have a better mouse trap, by all means run for the board & help make TowneLake the exclusive upscale neighborhood that the original developers conceived.
Kevin Ott
Treasurer
I've been out of town and dealing with a family emergency; hence, the lateness in replying. I support completely the words of Mr. Ott. Being an arm chair critic is easy; getting off ones' duff is harder. There are talkers and there are doers. I am a woman in my 60s, disabled, and caring for a 93 year old parent--in addition to working a full-time job. When I mow my yard, I also mow a chunk of the common area and have volunteered to mow more if Kevin needs the extra help. If I can find a bit of civic responsibility, others much younger and healthier can too. Lastly, I want to commend Kevin for keeping a polite tongue with his response. I don't think I would have in the face of such baseless criticism.
