Do you want to know how your money was spent last year?

Are you concerned that the increase in dues last year was for nothing?  If so, here is a list of projects we completed in 2012 broken down into three different categories:

Unplanned Large Expenses

• Installed back flow prevention device on water meter for pool – the county notified us in January of last year that we had to install this to be compliant with water restrictions.  It prevents pool water from entering county water supply.  The backflow prevention device has to be tested every year by a certified expert.  Thanks to Pro Masters Plumbing.
• Fixed leak in pool house roof in women’s restroom.  Thanks to Pro Masters Plumbing.
• Fixed plumbing leak in men’s restroom under sink.  Thanks to Pro Masters Plumving.

Planned One Time Expenses

• Installed new tile flooring in men’s and women’s restroom.  Thanks to Britts Flooring, Bobby Chapman and others for removing old tile.
• Purchased new outdoor drinking fountain at pool and had it installed by Pro Masters Plubming.  Thanks to Bobby Chapman for his help getting it running right.
• Fixed ladder at pool by installing new brass anchors to hold ladder in place.  Thanks to Archer Brothers pools.
• Installed new landscaping materials at front of neighborhood including new mulch, plant material and split rail fence at entrance of Marta Crane.  Thanks to Steve Sullivan, Jim Hogan and Jim Bliss.
• Installed mulch around pool.  Thanks to a large group of neighbors.
• Improved Gate at Pool by removing wood planks at welding steel mesh to gate.  Thanks to Brandon Hyder.
• Purchased and installed Kant Slam device on front gate at pool to enable it to close tightly.  Thanks to Bobby Chapman, Clay Abney and Brandon Hyder.
• Installed security cameras at pool. Thanks to Bobby Chapman.
• Installed wood posts and neon chain to allow us to close the parking lot to pool when pool is not in operation.  Thanks to Bobby Chapman.
• Purchased outdoor message centers/lumber and installed bulletin boards/message centers at front of Marta Crane and Bramlett Blvd.  Thanks to Lamar Smith, Doug Poole and Bobby Chapman.
• Installed solar lights at front of Marta Crane entrance to enhance lighting of entrance sign.  Thanks to Bobby Chapman.
• Rented bucket truck and chipper/shredder to clean out trees/brush around pool and tennis courts and along path between pool and tennis courts.  Thanks to Jason Barbour and other neighbors for helping.
• Purchased and installed new pool rules sign for pool.
• Purchased branded lanyards to properly identify HOA members at pool.

Planned Ongoing Expenses

• Paid for pool company to care for pool on a weekly basis during summer time.
• Paid for landscape company to care for landscaping around pool/tennis court.
• Increased scope with landscape company to include front of subdivision on property that is owned by homeowners at the front.
• Paid for power, water and phone utilities at pool to keep pool operating.
• Paid property taxes for the property where pool and tennis courts are located.  The HOA owns two pieces of property (one for each).
• Paid for insurance to cover HOA for accidents that may happen on pool/tennis courts.
• Paid for Gwinnett County pool permit.
• Paid for postage and copies for annual letters and demand letters.
• Paid for copies for two newsletters.
• Paid for meeting space at Oak Hill Baptist church for HOA meetings.

Cash Flow

In addition to all of the items listed above we were able to significantly increase our cash flow/bank balance so that we can make additional improvements in 2013.  The increase in cash flow means we now have money set aside for unplanned expenses as our facilities get older and require more maintenance and upkeep.

Summary

It takes money to operate a subdivision that has swim/tennis amenities as well as an entrance with signage and landscaping.  I didn’t fully understand all the expenses until I got involved as President.  I can assure you that the increase in HOA dues was a needed adjustment and your additional funds will not be wasted.