Even in darkest of times, there is always something for which we can be grateful. While this year has been difficult for some, it is my heartfelt wish for all of you and yours to enjoy the blessings of family and friends at this season of thankfulness. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Last month we purchased a new telephone system for the Lodge from Universal Com-One for a total capital purchase of $5,214.94. The new system included all new phones, voicemail system and the relocation of the system. When the office is closed you will hear a voice message instructing you that if you are calling the restaurant, “Waters Edge” press “1”. This will ring all phones in the restaurant. If you are attempting to reach the office, press “2” to leave a message. Your call will be returned the next business day. This capital purchase was especially necessary as the last system was becoming costly and obsolete.
Insurance coverage for the water system tower was renewed last month with Traveler’s Insurance for $6,300.00.
Our capital projects planned for this budget year is as follows:
Chlorine monitoring system for both wells;
Well #2 electrical upgrade;
New Security vehicle to replace the old GMC;
Maintenance equipment (water pump for water system and mowing equipment);
New A/C system for main dining room;
Lodge renovations – (new flooring downstairs, redo main dining room floor, deck repairs and redo downstairs bathroom);
Playground equipment and additional recreation items;
New Security gate system.
The total capital improvements planned for this year is $221,000. It is because of our goals to continue to update and improve your community and better serve you that we are becoming increasingly concerned with the number of late payments we are receiving. Regrettably, beginning with the statements due January 25th (December’s dues), the late fee will increase to fifteen dollars ($15.00) if your payment is received after the due date. Please note the late fee is in place to get payments in on time. It is not my wish that anyone would get this fee but so that you, the property owners know and understand why this is necessary, the Lodge still has to make payments monthly for the garbage bill ($12.00 to Waste Management) on all lots with houses and Capital Reserve ($15.00) on all lots with or without houses. This amounts up to $27.00 for each property owner who is delinquent. To meet our obligations we must use the timely property owner’s dues to cover these expenses rather than
reinvesting them into our community improvements and maintenance. On average, about 200 property owners are late each month totaling approximately $5,400.00 for garbage and capital expenses only. If you add in the other delinquent parts of the monthly statement, that is an additional $13,870.00 for a grand total of $19,270.00 a month which has to be diverted from our planned improvements and maintenance. Ultimately, this hurts our community by slowing down our progress. Therefore, it is truly in everyone’s best interest to make a conscious and deliberate effort to get your payments into the office by the 25th of the month. For your convenience, we have a payment box by the guard shack; however, should you mail your payment, please allow enough time as the payment must be received in the office by the 25th of the month.
And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call at the office.
Bruce Devillier
General Manager
