Make photo IDs mandatory
I started playing golf in Bella Vista in 2013 and not long after that we joined the Presbyterian Church. After a few months we decided to move into Bella Vista.
We found our house and moving here we knew we had to pay a monthly fee to the POA along with a $35 each photo ID card to be able to enjoy the amenities.
It didn't surprise us when the vote came up for an increase in the monthly fee because we anticipated it. The first vote failed and then the second vote failed.
I heard a lot of pros and cons about the monthly increase from the men I was playing golf with. Both votes sounded fair so I wasn't concerned about either of them. Yes, I voted yes for each.
Since the failure of the votes, the POA is pretty much only increasing the golf fees and a lot of letters to the Vista have been sent in about it. Some have been in favor of the increase for golf to help pay for the other amenities for enjoyment of those that use them, but don't play golf. Others have voiced a concern about only the golf fees being increased and not the other amenity fees.
The only suggestion I would have is for the golfers to get together and complain to the POA about the increase just like the lake owners did and maybe they would drop the increase for us as well. That of course is a joke, and I hope some of you got a good laugh.
The real suggestion I have on how to raise an extra estimated $1.4 to $2 million dollars a year is to charge every family member of all property owners, improved or not, $35 for an ID card. Do away with the papers ones they mail out every year that really have no use at all, creating a savings.
I am sure someone will respond with "I don't use the amenities so why should I have to pay for an ID card." The only answer I have is that if you live here and amenities/fees are what this town is all about, you will be required to comply.
Clayton Thurman
Bella Vista
Editorial on 02/25/2015