Like Rosemary Jessen, I own “pool-side property” in the homeowners association she references in her Jan. 29 letter “Vote for change to HOA board.” Having questions about the accuracy of Jessen’s statements I attended a budget meeting. Jessen mentioned “the secret society of being on the board,” yet the budget committee meeting was open to any homeowner.
In her letter Jessen asked, “Why hasn’t our treasurer asked for owners to serve on this important committee?” I learned four homeowners do serve on the budget committee. The committee created a budget based on recommendations from the reserve study, conducted by a qualified/certified, independent reserve specialist, per state law RCW 64.38. In addition, requirements from our HOA bylaws were considered along with previous years’ expenses.
Any homeowner is welcome to attend the February board meeting where the budget will be discussed, adjusted if needed, and adopted. Once adopted, the budget posts on our website, with notes of explanation. Also, per RCW 64.38, the HOA budget is audited yearly by an independent CPA firm and posted on the association’s website. If homeowners do not have access or do not use the Internet, hard copy budget information is provided by the board.
Thanks, board, for the upfront, thorough work.
Kathy Stellfox
Ridgefield
