Proposal for Assessment Increase in 2026
Current Assessment: $223 per year
Proposed Assessment: $325 per year
We understand that any increase in assessments can be a concern, and we want to be transparent about why this is necessary. We are committed to being good stewards of the funds entrusted to us, and we are taking a close look at the costs required to maintain and improve our community. Here's a breakdown of how your annual assessment is currently spent:
What Your Assessment Covers Today
2.5 Truckloads of Gravel
One truckload of gravel may cover approximately 500 feet of road, but we have nearly 150,000 feet of roads in SVL alone. Some roads, especially in HVL, require double the amount. Gravel is also used in other areas of our community.
One Dump Truck or Bobcat Tire
We often face flat tires that need immediate repair or replacement, whether on the heavy-duty dump trucks or the smaller Bobcats used for maintenance.
73 Gallons of Diesel
During the mowing season, we burn through 73 gallons of diesel in just a few days—this is just for routine maintenance, not including fuel for the campground, dams, roadsides, or common areas.
1.5 Golf Course Sprinkler Heads
Our golf course irrigation system is aging, with many original sprinkler heads in place since the 1970s. Replacing and maintaining these components is crucial to ensuring a healthy, functional course.
Less Than One Day of Mowing Labor for the Golf Course
Maintaining the golf course alone requires at least three workers. The assessment doesn’t come close to covering the cost of their time, meaning other areas like the campground, roadsides, and common areas are often underfunded in comparison.
These are just a few examples of the costs associated with maintaining and improving our community. In addition to these, there are also ongoing costs for equipment repairs, maintenance supplies (like oil and fluids), and labor. Repairs to buildings, infrastructure, and tools often take precedence over other important tasks.
Why the Increase is Necessary
We are operating with a small crew who manage a large area. Every act of vandalism or misuse, such as improper use of the compactor or damage to property, not only costs money but also diverts time and resources from other priorities. If we had more help or could offer overtime, the cost of labor would rise even further.
In addition to these challenges, our community is currently carrying $187,200 in debt. In 2024 alone, we paid $10,042.08 in interest on that debt. The reason for this debt is clear: we are simply not generating enough revenue through our current assessments to cover our growing expenses. Without an increase, this financial strain will only continue, and the interest payments will become an even greater burden.
To put it simply: the current assessments are not enough to maintain the level of service and quality of life we all want for our community. For instance, we recognize the need for additional sand at the beaches, more frequent road maintenance, and consistent mowing of the roadsides and common areas. However, due to budget constraints, we are unable to address these needs as regularly as required. To ensure we can meet these essential needs and continue improving our community, an increase in assessments is necessary.
A Historical Perspective
If we had adjusted the assessments each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since 1973, the current assessment would be $370 per lot in 2024. This would have allowed us to keep pace with inflation and ensure that our community was properly funded to meet growing needs over time.
The Way Forward
Increasing assessments is not something we take lightly, but it is necessary to keep our community safe, well-maintained, and sustainable for the long term. By voting yes, you’ll help ensure that we can continue to provide the services and improvements that benefit everyone who lives here.
