Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Revised 2008 Budget Passed

At a budget workshop this morning, the HORC board passed the revised 2008 budget and maintenance increase, despite so many negative comments that were expressed at the Dec. 12, 2007 meeting.

Last night, each member of the board received a written statement from residents Rose Reis and Paul McCumber about their concerns after spending several days reviewing the financial records. The letter stated that "several pieces of information were found to be missing" and some information was "incorrect".

Both Rose and Paul were invited to report at the beginning of the meeting. Paul said that he wasn't expecting to be given the opportunity, and wasn't prepared, but gave a well-spoken, sincere and informative description of their findings. It would be difficult to give adequate justice to his concerns in just a few phrases, but the highlights include issues with the reserve accounts, an over-spent miscellaneous reserve, that capital projects were not listed, a financial plan for the seawall and other major expenditures is necessary, water and sewer lines should be better funded, and the clubhouse roof was never mentioned in the budget.

He closed with the bottom line: it is our money. Decisions shouldn't be made in isolation for fear of alienating the membership. Comments were allowed at this point.

It soon became apparent, however, that the board president was intent on passing the revised budget, after making reference to the letter from the board attorney. A motion was made to pass the maintenance increase of 15%. It passed unanimously. A second motion was made to pass the revised 2008 budget. Five voted FOR it: Ellen, Ron, Ed, Chet, and Father Bob. Four voted AGAINST it: Walter, Sandy, Marie, and Susan. The motion carried.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

You mentioned in the fourth paragraph that the disscusion on the floor was opened to other comments. What were the comments that were made before it got to referance of the lawyers letter?

Anonymous said...

There were comments on voting with popscicle sticks, on the great financial shape of the park, on the great job the Board has been doing.I don't recall other comments. Perhaps other people can add some concerns that were voiced.