POA approves budget; appoints committee members

During a short meeting of the Property Owners Association Board of Directors on Thursday, the budget for 2015 was adopted and committee appointments were announced.

The board has been working on both the budget and the usage fee schedule for two months after the membership defeated two attempts to raise monthly assessments. At the November meeting, the usage fee schedule was approved, with raises in almost all fees. The new fee schedule is located on the POA website, www.bellavistapoa.com.

On Thursday, the budget was approved.

The 2015 budget of $16.06 million reflects slightly more income than 2014, which called for $15.70 million in total income.

As in past years, wages and salaries are the largest expense, reaching $6.72 million in 2015. Director of Finance Dwain Mitchell reminded the board that four full-time positions will be eliminated in 2015, including two people in membership services who will no longer be needed once a new software system in online.

Two full-time positions were added although at least one won't be filled immediately. A manager will be needed when the tennis operations are brought back into the POA. Currently tennis professional Paul Pautsch runs the program as a private contractor, but the board has discussed bringing the program back when Pautsch retires.

Also, a position in the legal department that was eliminated last year will be restored. That position will help pay for itself by collecting overdue assessment payments from members.

Some capital projects were included in the budget to ensure that the amenities remain attractive, Teal said. Those projects include replacement of aging equipment, a new archery range and a boat that will be used for herbicide applications.

Some funds, $150,000, was set aside for work at the former Branchwood golf course that will be transformed into a different recreational amenity. A committee is working on a proposal for that area.

Teal pointed out that unlike other annual fees, golf fees don't usually follow the calendar year. He proposed prorating the golf fees for 2015 and setting the renewal date for January 1, 2016. So for 2015 the annual golf fees, including the golf value card, will be slightly lower and beginning in 2016, all annual fees will follow the calendar year.

With the new year beginning, new committee appointments were announced. Teal said the board received many good applications for the joint advisory committee positions, which are three-year terms. Individuals are limited to serving two terms.

For the Golf Committee: Harris McKee will return for a second term, and Terry Predl and William Barr are new members.

For Lakes, Jerry Argetsinger will return and William Cloud and Rick Yorman are new members.

For Recreation, Ron Jones will return and Jane Barfield is a new member.

The board also approved a policy prohibiting the placement of political signs at POA facilities. It was the second and final reading of the policy.

They approved a revision to the parking policy as a first reading. The change gives members the same rights to apply for a temporary parking permit in POA lots as guests if it passes its second reading next month.

General News on 12/17/2014