Your posting on raising dues is under "Might as well air it out here".  Maybe some did not read this because it was not  clear that you were talking about dues.  How much money do we have in the bank for fence repair?  When I left the board, we put $10,000 (?) for the fence repair in a CD to earn some interest as the fence was being replaced.  Plus, if I am not mistaken, we had a surplus in the bank.  I think we should keep some surplus in the bank, but when I left the board I felt we had too much of a surplus.  In my personal finances I keep emergency money,etc, but there is a limit to what the homeowners association should keep especially before raising dues.  I don't know what that limit should be, but here would be a good place to discuss what others think an adequate surplus would be.  I have a friend in Greenbriar, north of 79th street and she only pays $65/year for snow removal and upkeep of common areas to her association.  Are we doing something wrong?  I'm not blaming or accusing anyone; I would just like to see some discussion on this topic.

Marge, your points are well taken.  This is why I presented this topic in this format, to let the ones who do use the net have the opportunity to vent and express their opinions about this topic.  I think you should be able to see what we are dealing with by virtue of the amount of responses.  Basically we live in a somewhat sedentary community where very few folks actually care what is going on or simply don't want to be bothered with it.  The proposed increase is admissable without input from the community in our by-laws.  We are now facing repairs that are expected in a community of our age and quite frankly don't need to be bothered with a vote and community acceptance of a 12 dollar a year increase.  All of this will be up for discussion and vote in the annual meeting.  We have also encountered a recent rash of vandalism in our neighborhood that may indeed require the addition of hired professional security on a scheduled basis.  We will be sure to add in the option of having the apprehended person do a little community service at your ranch to fulfill his or her obligation if you wish.  I really don't mean to take you to task on this, but, if the parent isn't aware of what the child is doing, we as a community don't need to take on the responsibility of raising their child or making sure that same child stays out of trouble in our community.  I personally am all for calling the police on any kid that is not behaving to the standards we would expect in this community.  Think about it, that might be the only chance the parent has to direct this kid in the right direction, they obviously aren't pro-actively working in that direction now.  The parent actually may not know.  That being the case is indeed a sad situation but none the less one if you asked, is happening every day, and in several houses in our community. 

AMEN BROTHER!!! WE LOVE THE IDEA OF CATCHING ONE OF THESE KIDS AND HAVING THEM DO COMMUNITY SERVICE AT OUR HOME! WHAT A FANTASTIC IDEA I LOVE IT!

On a community note I am surrounded by some of the most wonderful neighbors anyone could ask for. If it wasn't for their concern and support I would really feel more frustrated than I currently do!

You probably would have gotten more responses if you'd announced this in the newsletter where it should have been first announced.  Did I miss it?  Did you mention dues being raised in the newsletter? 

How do you think Greenbriar is keeping their association dues so low?