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No visible result to fees

May 3, 2004
I, like many of my neighbors, have seen little to no improvement in the neighborhood, as applies to snow being plowed in a timely fashion or at all, or the general appearance of the subdivision. Where does our money go? I have paid association dues since I have moved here, but I really do not know what for! I have seen no visible results from the money that we pay each year. There are nearly 2000 residents of Woods at Jeff. If everyone made a payment, that would mean the association is RECEIVING OVER $100,000 a year !!!!!! I would like to know ASAP where this money is going. I think this is ridiculous, and will stop paying annual fees until I know where this extravagant amount is going, especially if it is not mandatory to pay fees. Does the association make a profit? Is someone pocketing this money?? It sounds fishy to me! I also read in another discussion titled ''Dues'' that the association only collected like $3,000. Looks like very few people are paying. Could you give me a good enough reason to shell out the money this year?

-By josephine Saykhamphone

Dues

First of all there are only 707 house in the W@J. That comes to $35,350 in dues this year.

If you can give me your email address I will gladly forward the October 2003 newsletter which breaks down the financial situation of the HOA for the last 3 years.

You should also plan to attend the Annual Community Meeting to get any of your questions answered.

Tuesday May 11th!!!!

The easement area which is the area along Waggoner road and the two entrances is the responsibility of the HOA. The cost to maintain that area takes up almost 45% of our dues. In the past we had a management company that we paid almost 33% of our dues. We have since terminated that contract and now have an accountant handling the accounts payable and receivable at a much lower cost.

That leaves 22% left over. However about 20% of the HO do not pay. We are diligently try to collect that money.

With the elimination of the Management company and the collection of 100% of the dues and collection of past dues, hopefully we will be able to do some much needed improvements in the neighborhood. If we can't collect the money then we will have to continue to just maintain what we have and will never be able to improve.

It is important to come to the Community Meetings and get involved in your association so that your concerns can be met.

(also we are not responsible for snow removal that is the City of Columbus)

Response

I was told by a Homewood Rep that there were 2,000 homes. Please forward that information to my E-mail address. Maybe the association should make it its business to take care of snow removal, whether that means calling the city, or putting pressure on those responsible for snow removal because it really is critical. I live on Vega Drive and last year there was so much snow at the entrance to the cul-de-sac that myself and several neighbors got stuck and had to be pulled out by other neighbors. We all work and need to make it on time, the snow makes it extremely difficult and dangerous. I see cars sliding everywhere in the winter and I know one time a mailbox or two was taken out. I would hate it if someone's car was hit, or worse, someone's child. That's good that you got rid of that PSAM, they made a mess. I know in 2000 - 2004 there were people who paid and those who didn't and there were no consequences for those that didn't. And I was not billed one year, and told the next that I owed past dues plus late charges. It was the first bill I ever received. There was some major issues with that company. Anyways, I hope you have it straightened out. What kind of improvements do you want to make? I think you should just maintain what needs to be maintained and let the rest of us take care of what's ours. I would rather save the money. We don't need a fancier sign, or a brick wall. That's just frivolous.

Reply

Ok. first, the easements are the responsibility of the homeowner per Section VI. paragraph A. of the Deed Restrictions. The HOA *may* take responsibility for this. It's not mandatory.

Let me state again that due to the extremly poor execution of the Developers to draw up a GOOD deed restriction, and the fact that some people got a different deed restrictions, there is really no means of enforcement for collection of dues. Another point is that the Articles of Incorportation were not provided to alot of homeowners and were never signed for, in which states ''..pay all expenses in connection therewith and all office and other expenses incident to the conduct of the business of the Association''. Again, can't charge if didn't sign for. Also, there was no stated amount for dues. Legally, you could give 5 bucks and write that out to the HOA for dues. Remember, I work in this field and deal with other HOA's. Thats my job. You will be hard pressed to find another person with my experience on these matters.

Second, I agree that the community needs to be involved with the meetings. That where all the decisions on operation of the HOA are made. If you don't attend, then you forfit any right to vote for anything. Let me piggy back on this for a minute. I saw in the newsletter that you must be current in dues to vote. That IS NOT the case. The HOA CANNOT deny your right to a vote if you appear for a meeting. I would highly suggest that people read the Deed Restrictions, Articles of Incorporation, and Code of Regulations. The HOA is not running like it should.

In closing, the HOA does not have to be in existence. It can cease at any time. Upon that, all money paid to must be returned. The HOA is supposed to be here to represent the best interest homeowners, not to threaten legal actions for matters that they can't enforce.