Food for thought.... As we all know our Annual dues and trash removal bills come at the same time in December. $200 for Dues and $188.40 for trash removal is tuff to swallow with all the money folks are putting out for the holidays.

I know this is most likely true for everyone in Stonefield, having the expense of the holidays and both these bills landing at the same time may be difficult for some families. We budget our finances well but it is still a burden to have an extra $400 bill arrive the month when people are spending more toward their families and friends. Maybe the Maintenance Corporation could bill out the dues semi-annually and negotiate with the trash company to bill us twice a year instead of once. This way the burden would be cut in half, 50% in July and the other 50% in December. Just seems logical to me unless we are getting a great return on our investment which I don't know even if we are earning interest on the dues we are paying. I could see that as the only reason the trash company would not want to bill twice a year. I may lose interest which makes up for the low rate we are paying.... I would love to hear from anyone, good, and bad and why... Griff

dues

I agree - as a matter of fact it seems to me that somewhere along the line at one of the spring meetings last year when the buget could not be passed because enough people did not attend, that this very issue was brough up and it was discussed that maybe we could either break up the dues into payments quarterly or semi-annualy or change the cycle so that the entire amount would be do in the Spring or Summer instead of holiday time. I too am good about budgeting but this really is a bad time to get a dues bill and trash bill, and keep in mind, New Castle County Sewer will be coming for the year soon as well.


By Lynn

Annual Assessment & Trash fees

Hello Griff,

Stonefield Maintenance Corp.has nothing to do with the trash service anymore, so anyone can ask to be billed monthly, quarterly, etc. However, I assume they may charge more for doing this, so please check with your trash service.

Stonefield?’s Certificate of Incorporation, section 4 states that the annual assessment can only be changed to become payable semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly, if 2/3 of members in good standing approve. That being said, if that would happen the Corporation will incur more cost for postage and printing. For those that do not pay, would mean two judgments/liens being filed per year, which takes approximately 6 months at a cost of $300-$1000 per judgment. In addition, the Secretary goes through several hours of her time to stuff, label, and mail envelopes.

The only viable option would be to move the due date up to say February 15th, however since the fiscal year ends December 31st, if the Corporation goes over budget and cannot recover funds fast enough we jeopardize the ability to pay our bills in a timely manner.

If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,
Eric Ruger
President

Keep the date

I personally think the date should stay what it is. Especially if it's going to potentially create any financial burdens on the association which will be passed on to the rest of us (who do you think would pay for it?) If we all know when it's coming, and how much it's going to be, what's the problem?

It's due the same time every year. Set aside 1/12th of the amount every single month. Guess what.. come next year.. you won't have any problem paying it!