The Pines HOA

Note from the Treasurer

Aug 26, 2009

By now, most of us have seen the work done on the East Lake dam. Probably some of The Pines newer residents are not familiar with the reason for the extensive work, and why the Association has had to assess homeowners to pay for the work. For years, the City of Warr Acres was unable to afford repairs needed on a deteriorating aboveground sewer line behind the dam. The Oklahoma Water Board had pressured the Association at the same time to remove trees that represented a danger to the flood control nature of the dam, which could not be repaired until the City fixed the sewer line problem. Had the dam not been repaired, we faced the possibility of the lake being drained and becoming a creek (at a cost to the HOA in excess of $100,000). Now both projects are complete, the City paying for the major part of the work but our Association responsible for its part. That cost is in excess of $60,000.

Our regular dues are spent for maintenance of the common areas, electricity, liability insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses like postage, supplies, etc. A few years ago the dues were raised in anticipation of the cost of the dam repair. That extra money has not let us save enough, so this year we had to approve special assessments, one in May and one set for September. Hopefully we will be able to pay the debt without more special assessments, but only if everyone does their part.

Responsibility for payment of specially assessed dues is the same as for regular dues. Homeowners who have not paid current on their dues cannot vote on matters affecting them. Liens are placed against properties that let dues accumulate and become past due.

As an association, our area must be kept up to maintain property values, a matter of concern for all of us. Please do your part by paying your dues on time. Getting hit with this much in one year is regrettable, but necessary.

Sharon Stiles, Treasurer Pines HOA