Special Meeting - May 10, 2011
Dear Homeowner,
The homeowner’s meeting was held on May 10th at 7 PM, and provided the specific details of a one-time, over 5% “cap” dues increase. Thank you to all the homeowners who came to the meeting. Over the course of the past 27 years, WECA deferred dues increases 11 out of these 27 years. As you can understand, although our HOA dues were not increased during those 11 years, that did not stop inflation and the cost of living increased every year.
In addition, capital reserve deposits equal to 8.3334% or (1/12) of our annual dues, must be made, in accordance with our governing law. For the past 10 years, steady capital reserve deposits have not been made, as these funds were used to pay operating costs that dues income did not cover. Capital reserves are necessary to assure the healthy future of our community. Without reserves, we will be unable to make any major repairs including but not limited to: streets & curbing, storm water retention basins & drainage, street & court lighting, and all amenities. These reserves are also meant to protect us by funding mandated upgrades to facilities and/or common grounds resulting from township and/or state enforced codes. We must comply with these mandates within a specified time frame, to avoid assessment of fines or worst case, condemnation or closure, when items cannot be funded. The end result = community property deteriorates or is lost, and our property values plummet.
For the past two years, the board of directors have been avidly collecting back dues to help cover the underfunded costs of running our community. The Board has secured interest free extended payment plans to cover work needed in the community, and both board members and homeowners have donated many hours of their precious time to save the community money. As you know, this process was a temporary solution; and now, we the community must look for other avenues to fix this long-standing issue.
The discussion over an increase in dues is not new, and has been talked about over the course of the last four years, on and off at monthly HOA meetings. The board of directors knows we need to make immediate changes, so we as homeowners, do not have to worry about our community’s financial stability now or in the years to come. If we do not resolve this issue, and come together as a community, the association will have to be operated by a management company and the dues could be as high as $150.00 per month.
The HOA dues, if raised 5% annually since formation of WECA (transfer from DePaul Realty), should be at $105.00. We are proposing reassessment and increase of the HOA dues to $90.00 a month. This is roughly splitting the difference between what we pay now and where it should be. This increase will cover current normal operating costs, so we are no longer operating at a deficit, and will also include the capital reserve deposits as required by our governing law.
No homeowner wants to see the dues raised, including those serving the board. We are all part of the community and all have to pay the dues. Paying $90.00 monthly in HOA dues is better than paying $150 a month to a management company, knowing the majority of that difference is going to them, with no benefit to us as homeowners, or to our community.
This community is our home, we want to see it maintained, protected, and the best it can be for many years to come.
Thank you for your understanding,
WECA Board of Directors
Flower Beds and Weeding
Thank you for the volunteers who have helped maintain the flower beds within the community. Please remember the flower bed at the east entrance to Wedgwood Estates, on the car dealership side, does not belong to Wedgwood Estates. If you do any weeding, trimming, or removal of debris, you are responsible for disposing of the trash properly.
Paving & Concrete Rehabilitation
The first phase of Wedgwood's roads, curbs & sidewalk repair is completed on Ascot, Appledore & Argyll Courts.
The necessary 10 - 15 year plan will begin at the oldest courts and travel throughout the development until all courts are completed. Please be patient while we increase the value and improve the condition of our community.
Animal Issues
Please be advised the office does receive and listen to the complaints on dog/cat issues. If you see this happening call the police immediately you can remain anonymous. All dogs are required to be under control at all times.
We do realize from time to time in the large fields dogs will be off leash to play and run. The homeowner or tenant is responsible to clean up immediately after your animal.
Animal waste cannot sit in your yard or on common ground for any length of time. Also several complains have come in on homeowners opening their doors letting small dogs walk around courts doing there business about 15-25 homes away and calling the animal back. This is not allowed you must walk your dog on a leash and pick up after the animal immediately. Please notify the office each time you see this offense.
Several homeowners have complained of the cats using private flower beds as litter box. Letters will be sent on these issues as we receive the complains. As animal owners you, may not think this is an issue but the homeowners whose flower box is used does think it’s a problem. Be nice to the people on your court clean up after your pets. Keep your cats indoors; clean up after your animal even if the animal goes in your yard, it needs to be cleaned up immediately not daily or not weekly. The yard does smell and is not fair to your neighbor attached.
Wedgwood does adhere to Caln Township/PA state laws regarding animals. A copy of these laws are on file in the office for your review or at your request.
