Clara Barton Neighborhood Association

I was reading in today's tampa tribune regarding the HOA fees at our sister community, Live Oak Preserve. In case anyone doesen't know they were also owned by Engle except there, they turned over the HOA to the residents. Like us, they are also stuck in a 15 year contract with Brighthouse & are in negotiations with them to get out of the contract. They recently approved the 2010 budget & actually dropped the HOA fees by $35 to $129 a month. The last time I spoke to Lee Polk, she stated that the proposed budget that she submitted to the board called for no increase in the fees (they would remain the same & not go down either). My question is, if Live Oak can manage to reduce their fees, why can't we? Here is the link to the story in case anyone wants to read it: http://northeast2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/04/ne-live-oak-cuts-owner-fees/

Yeah I'm confused why it wouldn't go down. We pay the current landscaping company far less than we did Raymow. Also, this new company only is paid to cut grass and trim. They do not replant, remulch, etc. I'm wondering if they were keeping the HOA fees the same just to make up for all the homeowners that are not paying the HOA. 

Heather that is probably the case, and if so I think leans should be placed on the houses. It is unfair to have people not pay for services, and benefit from them.

Also, if you look at the 2009 budget... we pay $1,200 for a website service that Green Acre Inc. has that is not even interactive. You can do nothing with it. 

We also pay Lee herself a fee of $42,000. She makes more than I do as a public educator. 

I would love to be able to go to the meeting but can't. I just hope we can get as many homeowners who are able to go attend. 

We are discussing on facebook about a meet up this Wednesday. The time has yet to be discussed but voice your opinion! :)