11/08/2023
Year in Review – From Dire Straights to Smoother Roads Ahead
As we have all experienced a stressful year with uncertainty with the economy, rising costs for goods and services, and having to prioritize financial needs, the HOA has also experienced the same.
After several years of HOA annual dues not keeping pace with rising costs and expenses, then a modest increase for two years, combined with unexpected extensive pool repairs and unexpected legal matters, the financial situation was dire. Going into 2023, the HOA had enough funds to cover half of the expenses, putting the HOA in a serious position of going into default on payments for the later part of 2023. The HOA Board acted quickly and diligently taking into account the financial pressures being placed upon homeowners by proposing a $100 special assessment, which did bring in the required funds to bring the HOA back to a stable position for the year to cover operational costs..
However, while the financial situation has been managed, the HOA still requires due diligence and vigilance to make sure a similar situation we faced in 2023 does not manifest in the future. The need to keep pace with increase in goods and services that include the pool (by far the largest expense), groundskeeping of common areas, and planning for unexpected costs for the pool, will require decisions about annual dues and potentially future assessments.
A final note is stressing the importance of paying annual dues and special assessment fees on time. For each due not received costs the HOA 3 to 4 times more because of the processes the HOA Board must follow to attempt to receive the monies past due. The costs include certified letters, legal fees, and filing of lien documents.
Community Enhancements in 2023
In spite of the financial challenges and the focus of the Board to sail the rough waters to calmer seas, the Board has had success in bringing enhancements of the Community and the Residents:
Repair of the road at the entrance of Locust Valley.
Replacement of the lights at the entrance of Locust Valley to keep our signs illuminated at night.
Stabilization of the budget.
New Way to Communicate – A Dedicated and Moderated page
The HOA has historically held the position that inquiries would not be addressed via social media, while at the same time posting simple messages/alert notifications. Many of you have voiced the opinion that members should be able to pose questions to the HOA via social media. The HOA recognizes the benefits of using this approach, mostly in the convenience of use, and that others who may have the same question can all see the official response.
While the HOA recognizes the benefits of utilizing social media for this purpose, negatives must also be noted. Yes, Facebook allows members to state their questions, opinions, and comments, but that usage relies on the discretion and knowledge of the person who is posting. Messages from members in the past have sometimes reflected inaccurate or completely false information, been accusatory in nature, or have even devolved into crass conversations.
Any social media forum usage MUST have appropriate moderator roles in place so that the HOA can efficiently communicate with its members. The current Locust Valley Community page does not have these controls in place. To meet that requirement, a new page is being introduced that is moderated by the HOA and its board members. Moderators can be updated in the future to accommodate any turnover in the board.
The HOA is asking that you join the Locust Valley Homeowners Association group page on Facebook. The page is for Homeowners as defined in accordance with our CCRs. All non-homeowners will not be approved to join the page.
On this page, you will also be able to download past meeting minutes, view community rules, and access forms.
It is important to note the page is not to be considered an official communication mechanism that is outside the requirement of the CCR. The CCR does require official communication for specific matters to be sent via regular mail.
Safety Issues
The Community has seen an increase in speeding. As a reminder, the speed limit throughout the Community is 20 MPH. We are a small Community with families, children, and pets and being mindful of the speed is important to protecting our families and pets. Please be mindful of your speed while traveling through the Community.
Additionally, there has been an increase in engine noise with some Residents purposefully making the engine noise increase through instantaneous acceleration. Please be respectful of the other Residents and do not purposefully make loud engine noise.
Looking ahead to 2024
With the growing needs of the Community and the increase in goods and services, keeping watch on spending and balancing wants vs. needs will continue in the upcoming year. There are several strategies that can be considered.
The direction of next year will be determined by the new Board who will be elected on November 15, 2023 at the upcoming Annual HOA Board Meeting. As a reminder, the HOA Board Meetings are for homeowners only and only homeowners are authorized to cast votes and be on the HOA Board.
The Annual meeting is an opportunity for any homeowner to be a volunteer executive board member by placing their name on the ballot or speak up during the Annual meeting to be considered.
As a reminder, all Homeowners are always encouraged and welcomed to voice concerns, issues, and provide comments throughout the year. Given that we are a small Community, and the HOA Board are Homeowners themselves who volunteer their time, the HOA Board is only as successful as all of the Homeowners. We all want what is best for Locust Valley!
Important note: All homeowners do have copies of the CCRs. If there are questions about the HOA Board, Common Areas, Architecture requirements, or any other matter related to the management of Locust Valley, please refer to the CCR.
If you want to be considered for the Board please send the HOA Board your name to be included on the ballot.
Reminder: The Annual HOA Meeting will be held on November 15, 2023 at the Locust Community Building, next to Locust Elementary School. The Annual HOA meeting is only for homeowners. Renters and non-homeowners are not allowed to vote or speak during the meeting. All of the homeowners should have received a notification for the meeting. If you have not received the notification please let the HOA Board know immediately.
